The sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden hues across the city skyline. In Zi Corporation's top-floor office, Zi Ning stood by the window, her arms crossed as she gazed at the streets below. The world outside moved on as if nothing had changed, but within the company, a storm was brewing.
Behind her, Lu Yichen sat on the leather couch, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. "Zi Yue is finished," he said quietly, watching Zi Ning's back. "The police have frozen her accounts. Without money or power, she's barely hanging on."
Zi Ning turned around, her face unreadable. "She won't give up that easily. People like Zi Yue—when they're cornered, they become the most dangerous."
Lu Yichen leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Let her struggle. The more she fights, the deeper she'll sink. I've already made sure her contacts in the legal world won't help her."
Zi Ning's lips curled into a cold smile. "Good. But I'm not done yet."
She walked to her desk, picking up a slim black folder. "This is the last piece of the puzzle," she said, handing it to Lu Yichen. "Zi Yue's involvement with the Xu family's underground dealings."
Lu Yichen flipped through the documents, his eyes narrowing. "She's more reckless than I thought. Working with the Xu family… that's playing with fire."
"The Xu family used her to launder their dirty money through Zi Corporation. In return, she got their protection," Zi Ning said, her voice icy. "But now that she's no use to them, they'll cut her loose. And when that happens…"
Lu Yichen closed the folder, a glint of approval in his gaze. "You're planning to turn the Xu family against her."
Zi Ning nodded. "Once their secrets are exposed, the police won't just come for Zi Yue—they'll go after the Xu family too. And they'll blame her for dragging them down."
Lu Yichen chuckled softly, admiration in his tone. "You're ruthless."
Zi Ning met his gaze without flinching. "I learned from the best."
The next morning, Zi Ning's plan went into motion.
A leaked report exposing the Xu family's illegal businesses appeared in the headlines of every major news outlet. Detailed records of their connection to Zi Yue spread like wildfire, and soon, the authorities launched a full-scale investigation.
At the same time, Zi Ning's legal team filed a civil lawsuit against Zi Yue for embezzlement, demanding full repayment of the stolen funds.
By noon, Zi Yue's world was crumbling.
In a private villa on the city's outskirts, Zi Yue paced the living room, her hands trembling as she read the latest news. Her once-flawless appearance was now disheveled—her hair loose and wild, her face pale.
"This can't be happening," she hissed, slamming the tablet onto the table.
Across from her, a tall man in a black suit leaned against the wall, his face cold and impassive. He was Xu Jian, the eldest son of the Xu family.
"You promised us protection," he said, his voice low but threatening. "Now the police are breathing down our necks because of you."
Zi Yue clenched her fists. "I didn't know Zi Ning had this kind of evidence. I—"
"You failed," Xu Jian interrupted harshly. "My father is furious. He's already cut off all support. Do you know what that means?"
Fear flashed through Zi Yue's eyes. Without the Xu family's protection, she was vulnerable—easy prey for Zi Ning's relentless attacks.
"You can't abandon me," she said, her voice shaking. "I still have ways to fight back."
Xu Jian let out a cold laugh. "Fight back? Against Zi Ning? She's already won. And thanks to you, my family is under investigation. Consider this our final warning—stay out of our way."
With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Zi Yue standing alone, her heart pounding in her chest.
Meanwhile, Zi Ning sat in the conference room with the board of directors. The atmosphere was tense, but she remained calm, her power firmly established.
"With Zi Yue's shares seized and the Xu family withdrawing support, there's no longer any threat to the company," one of the senior board members said. "Chairwoman Zi, your leadership has stabilized Zi Corporation."
Zi Ning nodded. "From today forward, we focus on rebuilding our reputation and strengthening our position in the market. I won't allow anyone to harm this company again."
The directors exchanged glances, clearly recognizing her authority.
As the meeting ended, Lu Yichen waited by the door, his presence as steady as ever. "You've secured your throne," he said as she approached.
"For now," Zi Ning replied softly. "But there's still one last thing I need to finish."
That evening, Zi Ning arrived at a private estate on the outskirts of the city. The air was cold and still as she stepped out of the car, her heels clicking against the stone pathway.
Lu Yichen followed closely, his gaze sharp as they approached the grand entrance.
Inside, Zi Yue sat alone in the dimly lit living room. She looked up, her face twisting with bitterness as Zi Ning entered.
"You've taken everything from me," Zi Yue spat. "Are you here to gloat?"
Zi Ning's expression remained calm. "I gave you a chance to walk away. You chose to keep fighting. Now, you're left with nothing."
Zi Yue let out a bitter laugh. "You think you've won? I still have secrets that could ruin you."
Zi Ning stepped closer, her voice cold as ice. "I'm not afraid of your secrets. But you… you should be afraid of what happens next."
Lu Yichen's voice cut through the silence. "The Xu family has abandoned you. The police are closing in. If you're smart, you'll disappear before they come knocking."
Zi Yue's bravado crumbled, fear creeping into her eyes. "You're cruel, Zi Ning."
"I learned from experience," Zi Ning said softly, turning toward the door. "This is the last time I'll warn you. Stay out of my way—or I'll destroy you completely."
Without waiting for a reply, she walked out, leaving Zi Yue alone with her shattered pride.
As they drove back into the city, Zi Ning leaned back against the seat, exhaustion finally creeping in.
"You did it," Lu Yichen said quietly. "Zi Yue is finished. Zi Corporation is yours."
Zi Ning closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself a rare moment of peace. "It's not just about the company," she whispered. "It's about protecting everything my father built."
Lu Yichen's fingers brushed against hers. "And you've done that. No one will dare challenge you again."