The city bustled with life, but within the walls of Zi Corporation, the atmosphere was tense. After exposing Vice President Wang's betrayal, Zi Ning knew this was only the beginning. Zi Yue wouldn't stop until everything was destroyed—but neither would she.
Seated in her grand office, Zi Ning's sharp gaze scanned the latest reports. With Vice President Wang removed, a dangerous gap remained. Someone else could take advantage of the chaos if she didn't act fast.
A knock on the door broke her focus.
"Come in," she said coldly.
Liu Mei entered, her face pale but determined. "Chairwoman Zi, the legal team has finished preparing the case against Vice President Wang. Once filed, his career will be over."
Zi Ning's lips curved into a cruel smile. "Good. Make sure every media outlet knows about his betrayal. Anyone thinking of working against me should learn the consequences."
Liu Mei nodded quickly, but there was hesitation in her eyes.
Zi Ning caught it immediately. "What is it?"
Liu Mei hesitated, lowering her voice. "There's one more thing… our internal systems were breached again last night. Someone is still feeding information to the outside."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
Another traitor.
Zi Ning's fingers tapped the desk lightly, her mind already racing. "They're getting bold. If they want to play dirty, I'll play dirtier."
She stood, her presence commanding. "Tighten security. No one moves without my approval. And prepare a public statement—Zi Corporation does not tolerate traitors."
"Yes, Chairwoman," Liu Mei said, bowing before leaving swiftly.
The door closed behind her, but Zi Ning's thoughts remained sharp. She couldn't let Zi Yue win. Not now. Not ever.
Meanwhile, in a private villa across the city, Zi Yue poured herself a glass of red wine. Her long nails tapped against the glass as she smiled wickedly.
"Vice President Wang was useful while he lasted," she said lazily. "But he was too weak."
Scar, lounging on the couch, let out a dry laugh. "That's what happens when you trust cowards. But don't worry—we still have our ace inside."
Zi Yue's eyes glinted dangerously. "Good. Zi Ning thinks she's won, but the next strike will destroy everything she's built."
Scar's grin widened. "And what's the next move, boss?"
She swirled her wine slowly. "We hit her where it hurts—her public image. If the world sees her as incompetent, her empire will crumble."
Scar nodded. "I'll make the arrangements. But what about Lu Yichen? He's protecting her like a shadow."
Zi Yue's face twisted with hatred. "Lu Yichen won't protect her forever. No man does. And when he slips, I'll be there to tear her apart."
The next morning, the storm began.
Zi Ning arrived at the company to find Liu Mei waiting with a grim expression.
"Chairwoman Zi, the media is flooded with rumors," Liu Mei reported. "They're claiming you knew about the financial leaks and covered it up."
Zi Ning's face remained calm, but her eyes flashed with anger. "Zi Yue's doing."
Liu Mei nodded. "The public is starting to question your leadership. If we don't act fast—"
"We will act," Zi Ning cut her off. "Schedule an emergency press conference. Today."
"But—"
"No excuses," she said sharply. "If Zi Yue wants a public battle, I'll give her one."
Liu Mei bowed her head. "Yes, Chairwoman."
As she left to make the arrangements, the office door opened again. This time, Lu Yichen stepped inside. His expression was unreadable, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"You saw the news?" Zi Ning asked quietly.
Lu Yichen nodded. "Zi Yue is pushing harder. She wants to ruin you publicly."
Zi Ning's mouth curled into a cold smile. "Let her try. I'm not that easy to break."
He walked closer, his presence warm and steady. "I'm with you, Ning. Whatever she throws at you—I'll destroy it."
Her heart softened slightly at his words, but her focus remained razor-sharp. "I won't let her win, Yichen. Not again."
"You won't," he promised, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Because you're stronger than her."
For the first time that morning, she allowed herself to relax—if only for a second—before returning to the battle.
By noon, the press conference hall was packed with reporters. Cameras flashed as Zi Ning stepped onto the stage, her posture straight and commanding. Dressed in an elegant black suit, she exuded power.
The whispers stopped the moment she spoke.
"Recent events have caused concern within the company," Zi Ning began, her voice clear and strong. "I am here today to address those concerns directly."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in.
"The financial leak was the result of betrayal from within. Vice President Wang has been terminated and is facing legal action. Zi Corporation will not tolerate corruption—no matter who is responsible."
A reporter raised a hand. "Chairwoman Zi, rumors suggest you knew about the leak and tried to cover it up. How do you respond?"
Zi Ning's eyes turned icy. "Lies spread by those who fear my power."
A murmur swept through the crowd, but she didn't falter.
"This company was built on integrity, and I will defend that integrity with everything I have," she declared. "Anyone working against me—inside or outside—will face the consequences."
Her confidence silenced any further questions. By the time the press conference ended, the narrative had shifted. Zi Ning was no longer the accused—she was the one in control.
Watching the broadcast from her villa, Zi Yue's expression twisted with fury.
"That arrogant—!" She slammed her glass onto the table, wine spilling everywhere.
Scar laughed darkly. "Looks like she's not breaking as easily as you hoped."
Zi Yue's eyes burned with hatred. "Enjoy her little victory while it lasts. I'm not done yet."
Scar leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. "Then maybe it's time we stop playing games. Let's hit her where it hurts the most."
Zi Yue's lips curled into a cruel smile. "I couldn't agree more."
That evening, back at the Zi mansion, Zi Ning sat alone in her study. The press conference was a success, but the battle was far from over. Zi Yue was still out there—waiting to strike again.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
Lu Yichen entered, holding a glass of warm milk. "You should rest," he said quietly, setting the glass on her desk.
Zi Ning allowed herself a rare smile. "You always take care of me."
He leaned down, brushing a kiss against her forehead. "I'll always protect you, Ning."