The next morning, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Lu family estate. Zi Ning stood in the spacious kitchen, her hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee. Despite the peaceful surroundings, her mind was far from calm.
Last night's confrontation with Zi Yue replayed in her head. She knew her sister wouldn't accept defeat easily. If anything, Zi Yue would strike back harder, more ruthless than ever. Zi Ning couldn't afford to let her guard down—not even for a moment.
Soft footsteps echoed through the hall. Lu Yichen entered the kitchen, dressed in a sleek black suit, his presence commanding as always. He paused for a moment when he saw her standing by the window, her expression distant.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.
Zi Ning turned to face him, offering a faint smile. "Not really. My mind wouldn't stop thinking about Zi Yue."
Lu Yichen walked over and placed a reassuring hand on her waist, pulling her closer. "You don't need to worry. I've already assigned people to watch her. If she tries anything, we'll know immediately."
Zi Ning leaned into his warmth, allowing herself a brief moment of comfort. "She won't stop until she takes everything from me," she said quietly.
"She won't succeed," Lu Yichen assured her, his tone firm. "I won't let her hurt you."
His words were simple, but the weight behind them gave her a sense of security she hadn't felt in years. Still, she knew that trust alone wouldn't be enough. If Zi Yue was preparing for battle, then so would she.
"I want to meet with Grandmother," Zi Ning said suddenly, lifting her gaze to meet his. "I can't afford to wait. I need her to trust me completely before Zi Yue poisons her against me again."
Lu Yichen nodded. "I'll arrange a meeting for you. But be careful. Zi Yue isn't the only one who wants to see you fail."
Zi Ning knew he was right. The Zi family was full of hidden dangers, and every step she took had to be careful and precise.
Later that afternoon, Zi Ning arrived at the Zi family mansion. The air was cold and heavy, as though the walls themselves carried the weight of years of secrets and lies.
A servant led her through the grand hall, past polished marble floors and gleaming chandeliers. The scent of old wood and jasmine lingered in the air—a reminder of the family's long, powerful history.
When they reached the study, the servant bowed slightly before stepping aside. Zi Ning took a deep breath and pushed open the heavy door.
Inside, Old Madam Zi sat behind an ornate mahogany desk. Despite her age, her posture was straight, and her sharp eyes missed nothing. She glanced up as Zi Ning entered, her expression unreadable.
"You requested a meeting," the old lady said, her voice calm but firm.
Zi Ning stepped forward with quiet grace, her face composed. "Yes, Grandmother. I wanted to speak with you directly."
Old Madam Zi gestured to the chair in front of her desk. "Sit."
Zi Ning obeyed, folding her hands neatly in her lap. She knew the older woman valued strength and directness—anything less would be seen as weakness.
"I know last night caused a stir," Zi Ning began carefully. "But I couldn't stand by and allow lies to continue poisoning this family. Everything I said was the truth."
Old Madam Zi studied her closely. "And what do you want from me?"
Zi Ning met her gaze without hesitation. "I want to restore my rightful place in the family. I'm not here to steal what isn't mine, but I won't allow anyone to take what belongs to me, either."
The older woman was silent for a long moment, her sharp gaze weighing Zi Ning's words. Finally, she leaned back in her chair. "You have courage, I'll give you that," she said slowly. "But courage alone won't protect you in this family. Are you prepared for what lies ahead?"
Zi Ning's heart pounded, but her voice remained steady. "Yes. I'm prepared to fight for what is mine. No matter what it takes."
Old Madam Zi's lips curled slightly in a faint smile. "Good. You'll need that resolve."
Before Zi Ning could respond, the door opened again. Zi Yue stepped inside, her face calm but her eyes flashing with anger when she saw Zi Ning already seated.
"Grandmother," Zi Yue said sweetly, as if nothing had happened the night before. "I didn't realize you had company."
Old Madam Zi gestured toward a chair. "Sit down, Zi Yue. It's time we had a proper conversation."
Zi Ning remained silent, but inside, she felt a cold satisfaction. Zi Yue had walked into a trap without even realizing it.
The tension in the room was thick as both sisters faced each other across the study. Zi Yue tried to maintain her usual grace, but the tightness around her mouth revealed her frustration.
"I was just speaking with Zi Ning about the future of the family," Old Madam Zi said calmly. "It seems there are many matters that need to be settled."
Zi Yue's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Of course. The family's future is my only concern."
Zi Ning tilted her head slightly. "Is that why you felt the need to spread lies about me?"
Zi Yue's fingers curled slightly against her lap, but her voice remained smooth. "Lies? I only ever spoke the truth. If anyone has been misleading the family, it certainly isn't me."
Old Madam Zi raised a hand, silencing both of them. "Enough. I will not tolerate childish bickering. From now on, I expect both of you to focus on what's best for the Zi family—nothing else."
Zi Ning inclined her head respectfully. "I understand, Grandmother."
Zi Yue hesitated, but she had no choice. "Yes, Grandmother," she echoed.
For a brief moment, the only sound in the study was the ticking of an antique clock. Then Old Madam Zi spoke again.
"Zi Ning," she said, her tone softer, "you will begin working directly under me. I want to see for myself whether you are as capable as you claim."
Zi Ning's heart leaped, but she kept her face calm. "Thank you, Grandmother. I won't disappoint you."
Zi Yue's face turned pale, but she quickly masked her anger with a tight smile. "That's… unexpected."
Old Madam Zi's eyes sharpened. "Is there a problem, Zi Yue?"
"Of course not," Zi Yue answered quickly. "I only hope Zi Ning can handle the pressure. The family's affairs aren't easy to manage."
"I'm sure she will manage just fine," Old Madam Zi said coldly.
With that, the meeting was over. As Zi Ning rose to leave, she caught the icy glare Zi Yue sent her way. The battle wasn't finished—but for now, she had won a critical step.
Outside the study, Zi Ning's phone buzzed softly in her pocket. She glanced at the screen—a message from Lu Yichen.
"She's making her next move. Be ready."
Zi Ning's lips curved into a cold smile. Let Zi Yue plan whatever scheme she wanted—this time, she would be ready.