The city skyline shimmered under the night lights, but inside Zi Corporation's headquarters, the tension was thick. Zi Ning stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her eyes cold as she stared at the city below. The press conference had calmed the media for now, but she knew it wasn't over.
Zi Yue was still out there—desperate and dangerous.
Behind her, Lu Yichen leaned against her desk, watching her carefully. "You made a bold move today," he said quietly. "But Zi Yue won't stop until she's completely destroyed."
Zi Ning turned, her face calm but her voice sharp. "Let her try. I've already prepared the next step. This time, she'll have no way out."
Lu Yichen's lips curled into a faint smile. "What's the plan?"
She walked over to her desk and opened a hidden drawer. Inside was a red folder marked CONFIDENTIAL. She handed it to him. "This contains evidence of Zi Yue's illegal dealings—money laundering, embezzlement, and bribery. I've spent months gathering this."
Lu Yichen flipped through the documents, his expression darkening with every page. "If this goes public, her career is finished. She'll face criminal charges."
"Exactly." Zi Ning's voice was cold. "I'm done playing defense. It's time to strike back."
The next morning, Zi Ning arrived at the office early. She had a meeting scheduled with the board to finalize the acquisition of the remaining shares. Once that was complete, Zi Yue would lose her last foothold.
As she stepped out of the elevator, her assistant hurried toward her, face pale.
"Chairwoman Zi, there's a problem," the assistant said nervously. "Zi Yue is holding a press conference in an hour. She's accusing you of corporate espionage and threatening legal action."
Zi Ning's eyes narrowed. "She's trying to turn public opinion against me."
Lu Yichen arrived moments later, having heard the news. "She's cornered and desperate. But this could damage the company's image if we don't respond quickly."
Zi Ning's fingers tapped against the desk. "Let her speak," she said coldly. "And when she's done, we'll destroy her with the truth."
An hour later, the press conference began. Zi Yue stood before the cameras, her face pale but defiant. Her carefully styled hair and designer dress gave her an air of confidence, but her eyes betrayed her desperation.
"I have evidence that Zi Ning has been using illegal methods to undermine me and other shareholders," she declared. "She has violated corporate ethics and abused her power. I will pursue legal action to protect my rights."
The reporters bombarded her with questions, but she answered them smoothly—too smoothly. It was clear she had rehearsed every word.
Lu Yichen watched from Zi Ning's office, his expression cold. "She's good at lying," he said softly.
Zi Ning didn't flinch. "Let her talk. She's only digging her own grave."
As soon as Zi Yue finished speaking, Zi Ning stood up. "It's time."
Zi Ning's press conference began thirty minutes later. The media was already buzzing, eager to hear her response. She walked onto the stage with her head held high, her calmness striking in contrast to Zi Yue's frantic accusations.
"I have always acted with integrity and transparency," she began, her voice steady. "But today, I will reveal the truth about Zi Yue's actions."
She gestured toward the large screen behind her, where documents and transaction records appeared. "These are official records showing how Zi Yue embezzled millions from Zi Corporation over the past three years. She used offshore accounts to hide her crimes, all while pretending to act in the company's best interest."
Gasps filled the room as the evidence flashed on the screen—bank statements, signed contracts, and internal emails.
Zi Ning's gaze swept the crowd. "I have already submitted these documents to the authorities. Zi Yue will face a full investigation, and if found guilty, she will be held accountable for her crimes."
A reporter stood up. "Chairwoman Zi, aren't you afraid this will cause further turmoil for the company?"
Zi Ning's lips curled into a faint smile. "Zi Corporation will always stand on truth and integrity. By removing corruption, we only grow stronger."
Her words struck like a hammer, and by the time the press conference ended, the tide had turned fully against Zi Yue.
That evening, Zi Ning sat in her office, reviewing the final documents. Lu Yichen poured her a glass of wine and set it on the table beside her.
"It's over," he said quietly. "The shareholders are on your side. Zi Yue has no power left."
Zi Ning took the glass, her fingers brushing against his. "Not yet. She's still free. Until the law deals with her, I can't relax."
Lu Yichen's expression softened as he watched her. "You've fought harder than anyone else could have. Even your father would be proud."
At the mention of her father, Zi Ning's heart tightened. She remembered his warm smile, his gentle words. "I'm only protecting what he built," she said softly.
Lu Yichen stepped closer. "And you're doing it perfectly."
Their eyes met, and for the first time in a long while, Zi Ning allowed herself a small breath of relief.
The next day, the police formally opened an investigation into Zi Yue. News spread like wildfire, and public opinion shifted completely. The same people who once criticized Zi Ning were now praising her for her strength and integrity.
Zi Yue, once so confident and untouchable, was now trapped in a scandal of her own making.
Sitting in her office, Zi Ning received a call from one of the investigators. "Chairwoman Zi, thank you for your cooperation. With this evidence, we expect to move quickly."
"Good," Zi Ning replied. "I trust you'll ensure justice is served."
As she hung up the phone, Lu Yichen entered the room. "The board just voted. You now hold 65% of Zi Corporation's shares. You have total control."
A rare smile touched Zi Ning's lips. "Zi Yue has lost everything. And I—" She paused, feeling a wave of calmness wash over her. "I've won."
Lu Yichen crossed the room, standing beside her. "You always knew you would."
For the first time in weeks, the heavy weight on her shoulders felt a little lighter.