The next morning, the city buzzed with rumors. News of Wang Sheng's secret dealings spread like wildfire. Anonymous tips had reached the media, exposing his connection to illegal activities. Major business channels were already broadcasting the scandal, and public opinion turned against him swiftly.
At the Zi Corporation, Zi Ning sat in the conference room, surrounded by her top executives. Liu Mei stood beside her, organizing the reports flooding in from the legal and public relations teams.
"Chairwoman Zi," one of the executives said, pushing a document toward her, "since the news broke, three more partners have returned to us. They're terminating their agreements with Qin Group. The tide is turning in our favor."
Zi Ning's face remained calm, but inside, a fierce determination burned.
"Good," she said. "We must keep the pressure on. Release a public statement confirming that Zi Corporation stands for integrity. Make it clear we will pursue legal action against anyone attempting to smear our reputation."
Liu Mei nodded and quickly left to handle the task.
Another executive hesitated before speaking. "Chairwoman… with this evidence, we could push for a full investigation into Wang Sheng's financials. It might take time, but once the authorities step in, he won't be able to recover."
Zi Ning's lips curved into a cold smile. "Do it. I want every department working together. This is our chance to bring him down for good."
Meanwhile, at the Qin Group headquarters, chaos erupted. Wang Sheng's office was in disarray, papers scattered across his desk. He slammed a folder shut, his expression twisted with fury.
"How did this happen?" he demanded, his voice sharp. "I had everything under control!"
Qin Wei, standing nearby, wiped sweat from his brow. "It was that man… Lu Yichen. He's protecting Zi Ning. With his resources, it's impossible to cover things up now."
Wang Sheng's fists clenched. "I underestimated them. But I won't lose everything to that woman!"
At that moment, his secretary rushed in, pale-faced. "Chairman Wang… the board is demanding an emergency meeting. They want answers about the accusations."
Wang Sheng cursed under his breath. He knew what this meant—his position was slipping. If he lost the board's support, the entire Qin Group would be torn from his hands.
"Prepare the meeting room," he growled. "I'll handle them myself."
At noon, Zi Ning met with Lu Yichen at an upscale private lounge. The atmosphere was quiet and elegant, offering a break from the chaos outside.
Lu Yichen poured her a cup of tea, his gaze steady on her face. "You've done well, but this isn't over yet," he said. "Wang Sheng won't give up without a fight."
Zi Ning took a sip of the tea, the warmth soothing her tense nerves. "I know," she admitted. "But this time, I won't let him win. No matter what it takes."
Lu Yichen leaned closer, his voice softer. "If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember—I'm here. You don't have to face this alone."
His words touched something deep inside her. For so long, she had fought alone, relying on no one but herself. Yet now, with Lu Yichen by her side, she felt stronger.
"Thank you," she said quietly. "I won't forget that."
A small smile touched his lips, but his expression soon grew serious. "There's one more thing. My sources say Wang Sheng may try something desperate. You need to be careful, Zi Ning."
"I understand," she replied. "I'll be ready."
The next day, the board meeting at Qin Group was a battlefield. Wang Sheng sat at the head of the table, facing a room full of angry shareholders.
One of the senior board members, Mr. Liang, slammed a document onto the table. "Chairman Wang, the evidence against you is overwhelming. Your illegal activities have damaged the company's reputation. If you cannot clear these accusations, we have no choice but to remove you from your position."
Wang Sheng's jaw tightened. "I built this company from the ground up," he snapped. "Do you think you can just push me out?"
Another member, Ms. Zhang, spoke coldly. "Your greed and recklessness have put us all at risk. If we do not act now, the authorities will shut us down entirely."
Tension hung thick in the air. Wang Sheng knew he was losing control—but he refused to go down quietly.
"I won't step down," he declared. "I will fix this. Give me time, and I'll restore the company's image."
The board members exchanged doubtful glances. Finally, Mr. Liang spoke again. "You have one week, Chairman Wang. If you fail, we will vote to remove you."
Later that night, Zi Ning received a call from one of her private investigators.
"We found something, Chairwoman," the man reported. "Wang Sheng has been secretly moving funds to offshore accounts. It looks like he's preparing to flee if things go wrong."
Zi Ning's eyes narrowed. "Send me the evidence immediately. We'll make sure he has nowhere to run."
As she hung up, a cold determination filled her heart. This was the final piece of the puzzle—proof of Wang Sheng's corruption. With this, his downfall was certain.
By the end of the week, news broke across every major outlet. Reports exposed Wang Sheng's offshore accounts and attempts to flee the country. The business world erupted in scandal, and the Qin Group's stock plummeted.
At the emergency board meeting, Wang Sheng's fate was sealed.
"Effective immediately," Mr. Liang announced, "Wang Sheng is removed as Chairman of Qin Group. All his assets are frozen pending a full investigation."
As security escorted him out of the building, Wang Sheng's face was pale with rage. Everything he had built was gone—destroyed by the very woman he had tried to ruin.
At the Zi Corporation, celebrations filled the air. Employees cheered as news of Wang Sheng's downfall spread. The pressure that had weighed on everyone for weeks finally lifted.
In her office, Zi Ning stood by the window, watching the city lights. A quiet satisfaction filled her heart. She had fought back against every attack, and now, victory was hers.
A knock on the door broke her thoughts. Lu Yichen entered, his expression warm as he approached her.
"It's over," he said softly. "You did it."
Zi Ning turned to face him, her eyes shining with relief. "I couldn't have done it without you."
He stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers. "And I'll be by your side for whatever comes next."
Zi Ning allowed herself to relax. The storm had passed—but a new chapter was only beginning.