The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the city skyline. Inside Zi Corporation's headquarters, the tension was thick. Zi Ning stood by the window, her sharp eyes scanning the bustling streets below. Although her attack on Zhang Qiang had struck hard, she knew it wasn't over. A man like him wouldn't sit quietly after being humiliated.
A soft knock came at the door.
"Come in," Zi Ning said without turning around.
Liu Mei stepped inside, her face pale but determined. "Chairwoman, we found the mole."
Zi Ning's back stiffened. "Who is it?"
Liu Mei hesitated, then handed her a folder. "It's Chen Wei from the finance department. He's been leaking sensitive information to Zhang Qiang in exchange for money."
Zi Ning flipped open the folder, scanning the contents. The evidence was clear—bank transfers, secret meetings, and even recordings of their conversations. Her lips curled into a cold smile. "He thought he could betray me and walk away?"
"What should we do with him?" Liu Mei asked quietly.
Zi Ning closed the folder with a snap. "Fire him immediately. But that's not enough. I want his career destroyed. Make sure every major company in this city knows he's a traitor. He'll never work again."
"Understood," Liu Mei replied, turning to leave.
Just as she reached the door, Zi Ning added, "And one more thing—send a message to Zhang Qiang. If he wants to play dirty, I'll bury him."
Liu Mei nodded and left without another word.
Zi Ning exhaled slowly, her fingers tightening into fists. Zhang Qiang had crossed a line, and she would make him pay.
That night, Zi Ning returned to the Lu family mansion. The warmth of the grand estate did little to soften the cold anger burning inside her. She had barely stepped through the door when Lu Yichen appeared, his sharp gaze immediately noticing the tension in her posture.
"You found the mole?" he asked quietly.
She nodded, slipping off her coat. "It was Chen Wei. He sold us out for money."
Lu Yichen's expression darkened. "I warned you—Zhang Qiang wouldn't stop after one loss."
Zi Ning walked over to the sofa and sank into the cushions, exhaustion tugging at her. "I know. But I'm not afraid of him."
He sat beside her, his warmth calming the storm inside her. "You shouldn't have to fight alone," he said, his voice low and serious. "Let me handle Zhang Qiang."
Zi Ning shook her head. "This is my battle. If I let you take over, it means he's already won."
A flicker of pride flashed in his eyes. "You're too stubborn."
"And you love it," she teased, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Lu Yichen chuckled softly and pulled her into his arms. "I do."
For a moment, the weight of the world faded as she leaned against his chest. But deep down, she knew this was only the beginning. Zhang Qiang wouldn't give up—and neither would she.
The next day, Zhang Qiang's retaliation came swiftly.
Early in the morning, headlines exploded across major news outlets, accusing Zi Corporation of manipulating stock prices. Fake evidence circulated online, claiming Zi Ning had used illegal methods to secure the Hongfeng merger.
By the time Zi Ning arrived at her office, reporters had already gathered outside, hungry for a scandal.
Liu Mei stormed into the office, her face pale. "Chairwoman Zi, it's everywhere. If we don't respond, this could destroy our reputation."
Zi Ning remained calm, her mind working fast. "Who's behind the smear campaign?"
"Our tech team traced it back to a media company under Zhang Qiang's control," Liu Mei replied, her voice tense.
Zi Ning's lips curled into a cold smile. "Of course. He's desperate."
"What should we do?"
Zi Ning leaned back in her chair, her gaze icy. "Prepare a press statement. Deny the accusations and release proof of Zhang Qiang's illegal dealings. We'll turn his attack against him."
Liu Mei nodded and hurried out, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
Moments later, Lu Yichen entered, his face unreadable. "I heard about the reports. How bad is it?"
Zi Ning's eyes gleamed with determination. "Bad enough—but nothing I can't handle."
He walked closer, his voice low. "I can make those reports disappear."
"No," she said firmly. "Let them talk. When the truth comes out, Zhang Qiang will be the one to fall."
Lu Yichen studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Alright. But if he crosses the line, I won't hold back."
A flicker of warmth touched her heart. He was always there—her shield when the world turned against her.
By noon, Zi Ning's response hit the media like a thunderstorm.
A press conference was held in the grand hall of Zi Corporation. Cameras flashed as reporters scrambled to capture her every word.
Standing tall and graceful, Zi Ning faced them with unshakable confidence. "The accusations against Zi Corporation are baseless and malicious," she declared. "We have always operated with integrity. This is nothing more than an attempt to smear our name."
She held up a stack of documents. "Here is evidence of Zhang Qiang's illegal activities—including bribery, tax evasion, and corporate espionage. We will not be intimidated."
Gasps echoed through the room as the reporters scanned the documents.
A bold journalist raised his hand. "Chairwoman Zi, are you saying Zhang Qiang is behind this?"
Zi Ning's smile was sharp. "I'm not saying it. I'm proving it."
With those words, the press conference ended. Within hours, Zhang Qiang's image was shattered. His investors fled, and his company's stock plummeted.
That evening, as the city lights twinkled outside, Zi Ning stood on the balcony of the Lu mansion. The cool breeze brushed against her face, but her heart burned with fierce satisfaction.
She had won this round—but the war wasn't over.
Lu Yichen stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "You handled it perfectly," he murmured.
Zi Ning leaned into his warmth. "He thought he could break me. He was wrong."
A shadow crossed Lu Yichen's face. "Zhang Qiang won't stop until he's destroyed—or you are."
She turned in his arms, her voice soft but filled with steel. "Let him come."