The night air was crisp, but Zi Ning's heart burned with a cold fire. She stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of Lu Yichen's penthouse, the city lights glittering beneath her feet. The message she had sent to Wang Yin was just the beginning. If Wang Yin thought she could crawl back into her shadows and hide, she was wrong.
Behind her, Lu Yichen leaned against the sofa, a glass of wine in his hand. His sharp eyes never left her.
"You're satisfied with just one warning?" he asked quietly, the hint of amusement in his voice.
Zi Ning turned, her expression calm but her eyes icy. "I never said I was done. A snake like Wang Yin won't stop unless you cut off its head."
Lu Yichen's smile deepened. "I like the way you think."
Zi Ning walked over to him, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. "I'm going to deliver the next blow at the charity gala tomorrow."
He raised an eyebrow. "Planning something special?"
Her lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Wang Yin loves to show off in front of the elites. It's time to ruin her perfect image. Publicly."
Lu Yichen set down his glass, pulling her into his lap. His arms wrapped around her waist, but his voice was serious. "You know she'll fight back harder after this."
"I'm counting on it," Zi Ning said softly. "The harder she fights, the more mistakes she'll make."
He laughed softly, brushing a kiss against her neck. "Dangerous and beautiful—how did I get so lucky?"
Zi Ning tilted her head back, meeting his gaze. "Because you're smart enough to stand on my side."
The next day, the city buzzed with excitement about the annual Elite Charity Gala. It wasn't just a social event—it was a battlefield where the rich and powerful measured each other.
Zi Ning arrived in a sleek black gown that hugged every curve, her beauty both elegant and dangerous. Every step she took turned heads. By her side, Lu Yichen walked with effortless dominance, his tailored suit emphasizing his cold, noble aura.
Reporters swarmed outside the grand ballroom, cameras flashing as soon as the couple appeared.
"Miss Zi! Is it true you'll be announcing a new project tonight?"
"President Lu! There are rumors you've been secretly engaged. Any truth to that?"
Zi Ning smiled faintly but said nothing. Lu Yichen's arm tightened around her waist as if daring anyone to question her place beside him.
Inside the ballroom, crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead. The most influential figures in business, politics, and entertainment mingled over champagne and whispered gossip.
And at the center of it all stood Wang Yin.
Her red gown was bold, designed to capture attention. She laughed softly while speaking to a group of CEOs, pretending nothing could shake her. But when her gaze met Zi Ning's across the room, her smile faltered for just a second.
Good. She was already nervous.
Zi Ning allowed herself a slow, confident smile before turning away, as if Wang Yin wasn't even worth her time. But in her mind, the trap was already set.
Halfway through the night, the auction began. Rare paintings, jewelry, and luxury vacations were presented to raise money for charity. The atmosphere grew more competitive as the bids climbed higher.
Then, the auctioneer's voice rang out, drawing attention to the next item.
"Our next piece is a private collection—an exclusive designer jewelry set, courtesy of Miss Wang Yin herself!"
Polite applause filled the room as Wang Yin stepped onto the stage, radiating false sweetness.
"Thank you for your generosity, Miss Wang," the auctioneer praised.
Wang Yin smiled brightly. "It's my pleasure to support such a meaningful cause."
Zi Ning's lips curled. She waited patiently.
The auctioneer lifted the black velvet box, opening it with a flourish. The glittering necklace inside sparkled under the lights—a dazzling piece worth millions.
"The starting bid—five million yuan!"
Almost immediately, wealthy guests raised their paddles. The price climbed quickly—ten million, fifteen million.
Zi Ning leaned slightly toward Lu Yichen. "It's almost time," she murmured.
He nodded, his expression unreadable.
When the bidding reached twenty million, a sudden murmur spread through the room. On the large screen behind the stage, a new image appeared.
A side-by-side comparison.
One photo showed Wang Yin's necklace. The other showed an identical piece—labeled as a counterfeit seized during a police investigation.
Gasps filled the ballroom.
The auctioneer stuttered, confused. "I—there appears to be some…mistake…"
But Zi Ning rose smoothly from her seat. "No mistake," she said, her voice calm but carrying across the room. "That necklace is a replica. The original design belongs to an international brand. Wang Yin's company has been importing counterfeits under their luxury line."
All eyes turned to Wang Yin. Her face drained of color.
"That's a lie!" she snapped, struggling to maintain composure. "This is a personal gift—I would never auction something fake!"
Zi Ning tilted her head, her smile sharp. "Would you like me to call the jewelry house and confirm it?"
The room buzzed with whispered speculation. Wang Yin's perfect image was crumbling before everyone's eyes.
The auctioneer's face was pale. "I…apologize, but we must withdraw this item."
Wang Yin clenched her fists. "This is a setup," she hissed, glaring at Zi Ning.
Zi Ning stepped closer, her voice soft enough that only Wang Yin could hear. "Consider it a warning. Next time, I won't be so polite."
Wang Yin trembled with rage. But there was nothing she could do. Not here—not in front of everyone.
Lu Yichen appeared at Zi Ning's side, offering his hand. "Shall we?"
She slipped her hand into his, turning her back on Wang Yin without a second glance.
In the black Rolls-Royce, silence stretched between them as they left the gala.
Finally, Lu Yichen spoke. "You enjoyed that."
Zi Ning's smile was pure satisfaction. "Of course I did."
His low chuckle filled the car. "You've ruined her image. She won't recover easily."
"Good," Zi Ning said softly. "But it's not enough. I want her to lose everything."
Lu Yichen's hand covered hers, warm and steady. "She won't survive what's coming next."
Zi Ning leaned her head against his shoulder, her heart steady.