Liyana Xu never lost.
In the world of ruthless business tycoons, she was a queen among men—unshaken, untouchable. Her empire, Xu Enterprises, stood at the pinnacle of the corporate world, built with iron will and calculated decisions. And today, another victory was within her grasp.
The boardroom was silent, save for the soft rustling of documents. The senior executives sat with bated breath, their eyes flickering between her and the man sitting across the polished table.
Zhao Holdings. A billion-dollar corporation on the brink of collapse, desperate for a bailout. And Liyana? She was about to consume them whole.
She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs gracefully. The crimson silk of her dress pooled elegantly around her, a stark contrast to the dull grey suits in the room.
"Mr. Zhao," she began, her voice smooth but firm, "Xu Enterprises is prepared to acquire a 70% controlling stake in Zhao Holdings. Your company's losses over the last quarter have made it... vulnerable. My offer is not a negotiation."
Across from her, Zhao Jinhai swallowed, his fingers trembling as he shuffled through the contract. "Ms. Xu, with all due respect, this is—"
The heavy mahogany doors swung open with a resounding thud.
A slow, deliberate clap echoed through the grand boardroom.
"Well played, Liyana. As expected of you."
Her blood ran cold.
That voice.
That infuriatingly smooth, arrogant voice.
She turned, her expression unreadable, but her fingers clenched on the armrest of her chair.
The man standing at the entrance was Damien Lu.
Tall. Composed. Dangerous.
He stepped forward, the soft glow of the chandelier catching on the jet-black fabric of his tailored suit. His sharp features—chiseled jawline, piercing dark eyes, and a smirk that oozed confidence—had only become more refined since she last saw him.
Liyana exhaled slowly, keeping her voice icy. "I see the rumours were true. The prodigal son returns."
Damien chuckled, stepping closer, his presence demanding attention. "And I see you haven't changed. Still devouring weaker companies without a second thought?"
She stood, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she faced him head-on. "Survival of the fittest, Damien. You, of all people, should know that."
His smirk widened. "Oh, I do. That's why I came back. You didn't think I'd let you have Zhao Holdings that easily, did you?"
Liyana's eyes narrowed. He wouldn't dare.
Damien turned to Jinhai, his voice smooth like silk. "Mr. Zhao, I'd like to propose a counter-offer. Lu Capital is willing to fully acquire Zhao Holdings. No controlling stakes, no board interference. Just a clean slate."
A ripple of shock spread through the room.
Zhao Jinhai sat up straighter, his panic turning to hope. "You mean... you'd clear all our debts?"
Damien nodded, slipping a black folder onto the table. "And offer immediate capital injection. You'll retain your position as chairman."
Liyana's nails dug into her palm. He was undercutting her deal.
She stepped forward, her voice dangerously low. "I already made my offer, Damien."
He tilted his head, amused. "Then may the best predator win."
The tension in the room was suffocating.
This wasn't just business.
This was war.
And for the first time in years, Liyana Xu felt something she hadn't felt in a long time.
A challenge.