The air inside the grand ballroom was heavy with tension. Beneath the glittering chandeliers and elegant decorations, the battle between Zi Ning and Wang Yin was just beginning. Wealthy socialites and powerful business figures mingled, unaware that the calm surface hid an undercurrent of war.
Zi Ning stood tall, her black gown hugging her figure perfectly. Every step she took exuded confidence and power. At her side, Lu Yichen was calm and composed, but the sharpness in his eyes revealed his readiness to strike if necessary.
Wang Yin, in a blood-red dress, watched them with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Despite her polished appearance, there was a faint trace of desperation clinging to her. She had lost too much—but a wounded beast was always the most dangerous.
Lu Yichen's hand rested lightly on Zi Ning's waist as he leaned in and murmured, "If she tries anything, I'll handle it."
Zi Ning smiled faintly, her voice just as soft. "No need. I'll deal with her myself."
From across the room, a loud voice called out, "Miss Zi, Mr. Lu, over here!"
The media had arrived. Cameras flashed as reporters rushed forward, eager for a statement. Zi Ning's rise to power and her public rivalry with Wang Yin were the hottest stories of the year.
A young reporter stepped forward, microphone in hand. "Miss Zi, can you comment on the recent leak at the Lu Group's tech division? Rumors say it was an inside job. How are you handling the crisis?"
Zi Ning's expression remained calm and composed. "The situation is under control," she said smoothly. "We've identified the source and taken appropriate action. My team is stronger than ever, and no setback will stop our progress."
The reporter turned to Lu Yichen. "Mr. Lu, there's speculation that your competitors are taking advantage of the leak. Are you worried?"
Lu Yichen's lips curved into a cold smile. "Only fools think they can challenge us. Let them try. They'll regret it."
The confidence in his voice made the reporters buzz with excitement.
From the corner of her eye, Zi Ning saw Wang Yin approaching. The real show was about to begin.
"Miss Zi," Wang Yin's voice was smooth as silk, but sharp as a knife. "You look stunning tonight. It's a shame about the leak. Running a company must be harder than posing for cameras."
A ripple of laughter spread through the surrounding crowd. Wang Yin's words were meant to humiliate her—to remind everyone that Zi Ning had once been nothing more than a pretty face.
But Zi Ning didn't flinch. She turned to face Wang Yin fully, her eyes cold and unyielding. "I'd rather pose for cameras than spend my days cleaning up the mess of a failed empire."
The crowd fell silent. The insult hit its mark. Wang Yin's smile froze, her fingers tightening around her champagne glass.
Lu Yichen's voice was calm but dangerous. "Wang Yin, I suggest you choose your words carefully. You're already standing on thin ice."
Wang Yin laughed softly, but the sound was brittle. "Thin ice? I'm just getting started."
Before Zi Ning could respond, the master of ceremonies took the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. As you know, all proceeds from this gala will support education for underprivileged children. Let's begin the charity auction!"
Applause filled the room as the first item—a rare jade necklace—was brought to the stage.
Zi Ning turned away from Wang Yin, her attention shifting back to the auction. She wasn't here to trade petty insults. She had bigger goals.
The bidding started, and the atmosphere grew livelier as wealthy guests competed to show off their generosity.
Then, the final item was announced—a limited-edition diamond bracelet worth millions. The room buzzed with excitement.
"Shall we start the bidding at one million yuan?" the auctioneer said.
Wang Yin raised her paddle immediately. "One million."
Zi Ning's lips curled into a smile. "Two million."
The crowd gasped. Tension crackled between the two women.
"Three million," Wang Yin said, her eyes locked on Zi Ning.
Without hesitation, Zi Ning lifted her paddle. "Five million."
A murmur spread through the crowd. The price had skyrocketed, but neither woman was backing down.
"Seven million," Wang Yin said through clenched teeth.
Zi Ning tilted her head slightly, her expression calm. "Ten million."
The room fell silent. No one else dared to bid.
The auctioneer hesitated before finally calling out, "Sold to Miss Zi Ning for ten million yuan!"
Applause rang out, but the real victory wasn't the bracelet—it was the humiliation etched on Wang Yin's face.
Zi Ning accepted the bracelet with a graceful smile, then turned to Wang Yin. "Thank you for the warm-up. Next time, bring a bigger wallet."
Wang Yin's face twisted with rage, but she forced a smile. "Enjoy your prize while you can. Soon, you'll lose everything."
With that, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.
Lu Yichen chuckled softly. "You enjoy teasing her, don't you?"
Zi Ning slid the bracelet onto her wrist. "She started it. I'm just finishing the game."
But beneath her calm surface, she remained on guard. Wang Yin wouldn't accept defeat quietly—and Zi Ning was prepared for whatever came next.
As the gala wound down, Zi Ning excused herself to step onto the balcony. The cool night air brushed against her skin as she gazed out over the glittering city.
Footsteps approached behind her. Without turning, she knew it was Lu Yichen.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. "What are you thinking?"
Zi Ning leaned into his warmth. "Wang Yin won't stop. But I'm ready."
His voice was low and serious. "If she crosses the line, I won't be merciful."
Zi Ning turned to face him, her fingers brushing against his jaw. "I know. But I want to end this myself."
Lu Yichen's dark eyes softened as he kissed her forehead. "Whatever happens, I'm by your side."
For the first time that evening, a genuine smile touched Zi Ning's lips. No matter how fierce the storm, she wasn't facing it alone.
And when the time came, she would strike the final blow.
In a dark corner of the city, Wang Yin sat inside a private lounge. The laughter and music of the gala still echoed in her ears, but all she felt was rage.
She poured herself another glass of wine, her hands trembling slightly. Zi Ning had humiliated her—again.
A man in a black suit approached, his voice low. "The next phase is ready. One move, and her world will burn."
Wang Yin's lips curved into a cold, ruthless smile.
"Do it," she whispered. "I'll destroy her. No matter the cost."