Enemies in the Shadows

Zi Yan's return shook the entire upper-class society.

The lost heiress of the Zi Family was finally back.

But not everyone was happy.

Enemies lurked in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.

They wouldn't let her take back her rightful place so easily.

They had benefited from her disappearance.

And now, her return was a threat.

Wang Yin sat in her luxury apartment, gripping her wine glass tightly.

The moment she saw the news, her face twisted in anger.

"Zi Yan… the real heiress?" she spat.

She threw the glass against the wall, shattering it into pieces.

For years, she had looked down on Zi Yan.

She had humiliated her.

Ruined her career.

Tried to destroy her life.

But now—

Zi Yan was more powerful than ever.

Her connections, her status, her wealth… everything had changed.

And worst of all, the Guo Family had publicly apologized to Zi Yan.

The engagement between Guo Bao and Wang Yin had been delayed.

Guo Bao was hesitant now.

As if he regretted picking Wang Yin over Zi Yan.

That thought burned Wang Yin with fury.

"I won't let her win," she whispered, her nails digging into her palm.

She picked up her phone and dialed a number.

"Prepare for the next step," she ordered coldly.

"If Zi Yan thinks she can take back everything… she's wrong."

A grand banquet was held in honor of Zi Yan's return.

Every elite family in the city was invited.

It was a night of celebration.

But Zi Yan knew—

It was also a test.

People would watch her.

Judge her.

Some would try to befriend her.

Others would try to bring her down.

She had to be ready.

She arrived at the venue in a long, elegant dress.

The moment she stepped inside, all eyes were on her.

Whispers filled the hall.

"She really is beautiful…"

"I can't believe she was missing for so long…"

"I heard her adoptive family mistreated her."

"She must feel so lucky now."

Zi Yan ignored them.

She walked with confidence.

She wasn't here to be pitied.

She was here to show who she truly was.

As she greeted the guests, a familiar voice made her stop.

"Zi Yan."

She turned.

Wang Yin stood before her, dressed in a stunning red gown.

Her smile was fake, her eyes filled with malice.

Zi Yan smirked.

She knew Wang Yin too well.

"What a surprise," Zi Yan said calmly.

"I didn't expect to see you here."

Wang Yin let out a soft laugh.

"Why wouldn't I be here? This is a gathering of the most powerful families, after all."

She took a step closer.

"I must say, Zi Yan, you've really… changed."

Zi Yan tilted her head.

"Is that so?"

Wang Yin's smile didn't reach her eyes.

"I almost didn't recognize you. You used to be so meek."

Zi Yan chuckled.

"I had to learn to survive. After all, not everyone is as lucky as you, Wang Yin."

There was a sharp glint in Wang Yin's eyes.

She leaned in slightly.

"Do you really think you can take back everything so easily?"

Zi Yan's smile didn't waver.

"I don't think," she said.

"I know."

Wang Yin clenched her fists.

But before she could say more, a deep voice interrupted.

"Is there a problem here?"

Zi Yan turned and saw Lu Yichen.

Dressed in a tailored black suit, his cold, piercing gaze landed on Wang Yin.

Wang Yin's face stiffened.

"Of course not," she said quickly.

"Just catching up with an old friend."

She flashed one last fake smile at Zi Yan before walking away.

Lu Yichen turned to Zi Yan.

"Are you alright?"

Zi Yan nodded.

"I'm fine."

He studied her for a moment.

Then, he smirked.

"You handled her well."

Zi Yan's lips curved.

"I'm not the same as before."

Lu Yichen's eyes darkened slightly.

"I know."

As the night continued, Zi Yan remained vigilant.

She could feel it.

Something was off.

The atmosphere was too perfect.

Too smooth.

And then—

A waiter approached her with a drink.

"Miss Zi, this is a special wine from the Zi Family's collection. Please enjoy."

Zi Yan glanced at the glass.

Her instincts screamed at her.

Something wasn't right.

She smiled at the waiter but didn't take the drink.

Instead, she turned to Lu Yichen.

"You try it first."

The waiter's face paled.

Zi Yan's heart raced.

She was right.

There was something in the drink.

Before the waiter could escape, Lu Yichen's bodyguard grabbed him.

The guests turned to watch.

"What's going on?"

Zi Yan stepped forward, her eyes cold.

"I'd like to know too."

The waiter trembled.

"I-I don't know anything!"

Lu Yichen's expression darkened.

"Take him away."

The waiter was dragged out.

Zi Yan exhaled slowly.

Someone had tried to drug her.

She looked around the banquet hall.

She knew who was behind this.

Wang Yin.

Or maybe someone even more dangerous.

She wasn't just fighting for her status anymore.

She was fighting for her life.

That night, Zi Yan stood in front of the mirror, deep in thought.

Her past had been stolen.

Her future was being threatened.

But she was no longer weak.

No longer helpless.

She had powerful allies.

She had her real family.

And most of all—

She had herself.

Zi Yan clenched her fists.

She wouldn't let anyone take this away from her.

Not Wang Yin.

Not her enemies.

Not anyone.

The real battle was just beginning.

And this time—

She would win.