The air inside the Imperial Pearl Hotel was thick with tension. The banquet was meant to welcome Zi Ning, but the atmosphere felt more like a battlefield.
Zi Ning faced Huo Lian with a calm expression. The red-dressed socialite smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"You must feel overwhelmed," Huo Lian said lightly, tilting her glass of champagne. "After all, overnight, you went from an ordinary actress to the heir of two powerful families."
Zi Ning took a sip of her own drink. "It is a big change."
Huo Lian's eyes gleamed. "And high society isn't easy to survive in. You'll need guidance."
Some of the surrounding guests smirked.
This was a clear power move. Huo Lian was offering 'guidance,' but in reality, she was challenging Zi Ning's place among them.
Zi Ning smiled slightly. "Thank you for your concern, Miss Huo. But I prefer to learn on my own."
Huo Lian's smile faltered.
Zi Ning's words were polite, yet firm. She was rejecting the 'guidance' without sounding aggressive.
A few people nearby chuckled softly.
Huo Lian's eyes turned cold. "I see. But learning through experience can be… painful."
Zi Ning raised an eyebrow. "That depends on who's feeling the pain."
Huo Lian's fingers tightened around her glass.
She had been in high society all her life. She was used to women begging to befriend her, afraid of offending her powerful family.
But Zi Ning?
She wasn't afraid.
The silent war had begun.
Just as the tension between them grew heavier, another voice interrupted.
"Miss Zi Ning, I heard you were once a well-known model?"
Zi Ning turned and saw a tall man walking toward them. He was in his mid-twenties, dressed in an expensive suit, his features sharp and handsome.
Everyone in the room immediately recognized him.
Zhao Feng.
The heir of the Zhao family, known for their massive entertainment empire.
Zi Ning knew of him. He was famous for investing in promising actresses… and destroying those who rejected him.
She met his gaze calmly. "Yes, I was in the industry."
Zhao Feng smiled. "Then you must be familiar with my company, Star Entertainment."
Zi Ning nodded.
"I would love to work with you," Zhao Feng continued smoothly. "A new identity means new opportunities. With my help, you could reach heights even top actresses dream of."
A few people gasped softly.
This wasn't just an offer. It was a trap.
Everyone knew that women who entered Star Entertainment under Zhao Feng's hand either became his playthings or had their careers ruined.
Huo Lian smirked. She had clearly planned this with Zhao Feng.
But Zi Ning didn't react the way they expected.
She smiled. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm not interested in entertainment anymore."
Zhao Feng's smile stiffened. "Oh? That's a pity."
Zi Ning took a sip of her drink. "Not really. There are many paths to power."
The room went silent.
Everyone understood the meaning behind her words.
Zi Ning wasn't just an actress anymore. She was an heiress. She didn't need Zhao Feng's help.
Zhao Feng's face darkened slightly.
For the first time, someone had publicly rejected him without fear.
Just as the tension reached its peak, a waiter approached with a silver tray.
"Miss Zi Ning," he said, offering a small glass of wine. "This is a special gift from our finest collection."
Zi Ning glanced at the wine. The deep red liquid shimmered under the light.
She had been in the entertainment industry long enough to sense danger.
But before she could refuse, Huo Lian suddenly spoke up.
"What's wrong, Miss Zi Ning?" she asked with an innocent smile. "Are you afraid to drink with us?"
Several guests turned to look.
A few even whispered.
Zi Ning's rejection could make it seem like she didn't trust them.
If she didn't drink, she would be insulting high society.
Huo Lian was forcing her into a corner.
Zi Ning looked at the glass for a moment. Then, she smiled.
"I'd never refuse hospitality."
She reached for the glass—but just as her fingers touched it, she tilted her hand slightly.
The wine spilled, splashing onto Huo Lian's red dress.
The entire hall froze.
Huo Lian gasped, her eyes flashing with rage.
Zi Ning blinked, her expression innocent. "Oh no, I'm so sorry, Miss Huo. My hand slipped."
Some guests snickered.
Others looked away, trying to hide their amusement.
Zi Ning had reversed the situation perfectly.
Huo Lian's trap had failed.
Now, instead of Zi Ning being embarrassed, it was Huo Lian who looked like a fool.
Huo Lian clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.
"Excuse me," she said coldly before turning to leave.
Zi Ning smiled lightly.
One enemy down.
As the banquet continued, Zi Ning moved to a quiet corner, needing a moment to breathe.
She had faced too many challenges tonight.
She was strong, but she wasn't invincible.
Just then, a deep voice spoke beside her.
"You handled them well."
Zi Ning turned her head.
Lu Yichen stood there, watching her with calm, dark eyes.
She hadn't seen him arrive.
"Why are you here?" she asked softly.
Lu Yichen's lips curved slightly. "To watch over you."
Zi Ning's heart skipped a beat.
For years, she had fought alone.
But tonight…
For the first time, she felt like someone had her back.
As the night ended, Zi Ning walked out of the banquet hall, her head held high.
She had made enemies tonight.
But she had also made a statement.
She was no longer just an actress.
She was an heiress.
And she would claim everything that belonged to her.