The ballroom of the Grand Meridian Hotel shimmered in gold and crystal. Chandeliers sparkled like constellations, casting glittering light over the elegantly dressed crowd. This was not just another gala — it was a pre-wedding charity event hosted by the Lu and Xu families, meant to mark the transition of two empires into one future.
And in the center of it all stood Liyana, draped in a silver gown that hugged her frame with soft elegance. By her side, Damien was ever the shield — poised, powerful, yet attentive to every shift in her expression.
They both knew Qin was here.
She had arrived an hour late, dressed in ice blue, with a carefully curated smile that suggested she was still relevant.
Ruoxi spotted her instantly.
Standing near the media booth, Ruoxi wore a sleek navy dress and an expression like a drawn arrow. Behind her, Mira hovered, clutching her tablet, while Aiden Zheng adjusted his cufflinks, exchanging a quiet nod with the event's legal consultant.
"She's talking to the editor of Starline Magazine," Mira whispered.
Ruoxi narrowed her eyes. "Perfect."
Because that's exactly what Qin wanted — one last whisper campaign. One last slander spun from a cocktail of sweet smiles and fake concern.
Ruoxi moved forward, heels clicking sharply against the marble, every step measured. "Qin Yueran," she called out, voice crisp, slicing through the buzz of conversation.
Qin turned, schooling her expression into one of surprise. "Ruoxi? What a coincidence."
"Let's not pretend this is a coincidence," Ruoxi said smoothly. "You weren't invited, but you showed up with a press pass you forged through a secondary PR firm."
Qin blinked, then laughed lightly. "I was asked to cover the event—"
"You weren't," Ruoxi cut her off. "But let's give you a real headline, shall we?"
The room fell into a hush. Eyes turned. Even Liyana, across the ballroom, began walking forward slowly — Damien at her side.
Ruoxi motioned to Mira, who tapped her tablet and connected it to the event's central projector.
Images flashed across the screen — screenshots of emails, audio snippets of Qin coaching fake social media influencers to attack Celeste's brand, evidence of her secret meetings with rival conglomerates.
Each image was damning.
Each word undeniable.
Qin's face paled.
"You tried to destroy a woman's career and reputation because of jealousy," Ruoxi said calmly. "You used backdoor contacts to manipulate the media, to twist narratives, to sabotage contracts. But what you didn't expect… was that we would be watching."
She turned to the crowd.
"For weeks, Ms. Qin has orchestrated a silent smear campaign against Ms. Xu and Mr. Lu under the guise of business competition. Today, we bring it to light."
Aiden stepped forward. "My lawyers are filing formal defamation charges as we speak. Starline Magazine — you may want to pull all upcoming features involving her. Or you'll be joining her in court."
Murmurs erupted.
Reporters whispered into phones. Executives stepped back from Qin like she had the plague.
Liyana finally reached the circle forming around her.
Qin turned toward her, eyes wide. "Liyana, I didn't mean for it to go this far—"
"Don't," Liyana said quietly.
She wasn't angry anymore. She wasn't even sad. Just done.
"You've tried every way to destroy what I've built. But you've only succeeded in one thing," Liyana added. "Exposing yourself."
Qin staggered back a step, lips trembling.
Ruoxi's voice was final. "Security will escort Ms. Qin out. Her name will be blacklisted from every major network by morning."
Two staff members moved forward. Qin tried to compose herself — but the damage was done. Her carefully crafted mask had crumbled in front of the industry she once manipulated.
As she was led out, the hush turned into applause — not of celebration, but of closure.
Later that night, in a quiet lounge upstairs, Ruoxi sat beside Liyana with a glass of wine.
"You good?" she asked.
Liyana leaned back, exhaling slowly. "I didn't know how much I needed that."
Damien stood by the fireplace, speaking to Aiden. Mira was laughing with Zhen by the piano.
"Justice isn't always loud," Ruoxi said. "But tonight, it was."
Liyana smiled, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "Thank you. For fighting beside me."
"Always," Ruoxi said softly. "Now go enjoy your last days as a 'Xu'. Soon, you'll have an even bigger empire to run."