Empire of Desire
Amelia Cruz only wanted one thing — success on her own terms. Matapang, driven, at walang inuurungan, she clawed her way into the corporate world armed with nothing but grit and intelligence. Pero hindi niya in-expect na ang biggest challenge niya ay hindi trabaho… kundi si Adrian Blackwood — the cold, insanely powerful CEO who built his billion-dollar empire with ruthless control.
From the moment they met, Adrian made it clear:
> “You’re mine, Amelia. Whether you fight it or not.”
Bound by a contract na hindi lang tungkol sa business, Amelia suddenly finds herself trapped in Adrian’s dangerous world — full of power, obsession, and desire. Habang lumalalim ang relasyon nila, mas nagiging delikado ang laro. May mga inggit na executives na gusto siyang pabagsakin, a powerful family that wants her gone, at isang rival CEO na handang ibigay ang kalayaang hindi maibigay ni Adrian.
Pero mas nakakatakot pa sa lahat — ang mga sikreto ng nakaraan nilang dalawa.
What started as a battle of wills turns into a war of hearts. Amelia must choose: isusuko ba niya ang sarili sa empire ni Adrian, o ipaglalaban ang kalayaan niya kahit kapalit nito ay siya mismo?
At si Adrian — a man who can control everything except love — will have to face one truth:
Without Amelia, his empire means nothing.
In a world where love can be as dangerous as power, one question remains:
Will their desire build an empire… or burn it to the ground?
Read
Chapter: Warnings and TemptationsAmelia POVIt started with an email.Subject: Meeting Follow-up — UrgentFrom: Richard Hale, Senior Partner.The moment I saw his name, napahigpit agad yung hawak ko sa phone. Richard wasn’t the type to send emails unless may something really wrong — or really serious.Pagdating ko sa office niya, my palms were already sweaty.“Close the door, Amelia.” he said, eyes still glued sa laptop.Bad sign. Always a bad sign.I closed the door quietly. The noise from the city faded until all I could hear was the faint hum of the AC.“Sit.” he said.I obeyed.For a few seconds, tahimik lang. Then he leaned back, crossing his arms, eyes sharp like he was trying to read me.“You’ve been attending meetings at Blackwood Corporation,” he said. “Directly with Adrian Blackwood.”It wasn’t a question.“Yes, sir. I was asked to provide legal support for the bid—”“Cut the formality, Amelia.” His tone hardened. “You know exactly what kind of man that is.”I frowned. “Excuse me?”He sighed and stood, walk
Last Updated: 2025-10-18
Chapter: Under PressureAmelia POVBy the time nakarating ako sa Blackwood Tower that morning, nagsisisi na ako sa lahat ng life choices ko kung bakit ako napadpad dito.Isa na namang “urgent” assignment galing kay Ma’am — at syempre, hindi ko pwedeng tanggihan.> “Mr. Blackwood specifically requested your presence in the morning board meeting.”Requested.As if may choice naman talaga ako tumanggi sa taong may-ari halos ng kalahati ng Manhattan.Pinilit kong kumbinsihin ang sarili ko na professional lang ’to — siguro gusto lang niyang ipa-clarify yung clauses na inayos ko last time. Pero aminin ko man o hindi, the thought of seeing him again made my heart go on a full-blown cardio session.Pag-akyat ko sa top floor, ibang level talaga.Floor-to-ceiling glass windows, city skyline sa backdrop, sunlight bouncing off chrome and marble — parang nasa ibang mundo ka.At sa gitna ng lahat ng ’yon, nakaupo siya — Adrian Blackwood. Dark suit. Darker stare. One hand on his watch like he literally owned time.Hindi ma
Last Updated: 2025-10-18
Chapter: The Chance EncounterAmelia POVHindi naman talaga ako dapat nandun sa Blackwood Tower that day.Actually, nangako pa akong hindi na ako babalik doon kahit kailan.Pero ayun nga — parang may ibang plano si tadhana.In the form of an urgent courier job na ayaw kunin ng kahit sino sa office.> “Cruz, dalhin mo ’tong documents sa Blackwood Legal,”sabi ni Ma’am habang busy sa laptop.“I-drop mo lang, tapos umalis ka agad. And please— huwag kang makikipag-usap kahit kanino.”Right.Kasi apparently, talking was my biggest sin these days.Tinuck ko sa braso yung envelope, sabay sakay ng MRT papuntang downtown.Pagdating ko, ayun na — Blackwood Tower, nakatindig sa gitna ng city like a monument of power.Glass, steel, and money — yung tipong building na kaya kang paliitin kahit hindi ka pa pumapasok.Pagpasok ko sa lobby, parang museum ng yaman: marble floors, mirrored walls, at puro taong naka-suit na mukhang laging may meeting in five minutes.Huminga ako nang malalim at lumapit sa guard.“Delivery for Blackwo
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: The ReprimandAmelia’s POVMay kakaibang tahimik sa opisina kapag alam mong may nag-aabang na problema.’Yung tipong bigat ng hangin parang hatol—at bawat bulungan, parang kutsilyo.Ganun ang naramdaman ko pagpasok ko sa Archer & Vale kinabukasan.Lahat ng tao biglang naging abala. May ilang napatingin sa akin tapos mabilis na umiwas, kunwari busy sa mga screen nila. ’Yung mga nasa coffee machine? Biglang tumigil sa usapan.Hindi ko na kailangang magtanong kung bakit. Alam ko na.Pag-upo ko sa desk ko, andun na agad ’yung email galing kay Mr. Vale:Subject: Immediate Discussion Required.Bad sign.Huminga ako nang malalim at dumiretso sa opisina niya. Hindi man lang ako inalok umupo — unang red flag.“Amelia,” simula niya, malamig. “May ideya ka ba kung anong klaseng gulo ang pinasok mo ’tong firm?”Kunot-noo ako. “Sir, hindi ko po—”Bam. Binagsak niya sa mesa ’yung folder — mga notes ko, ’yung revisions ko after ng meeting with Blackwood.“You overstepped. Again.”“Sir, sinunod ko lang po ’yung co
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: Curiosity and ControlAdrianCuriosity is a dangerous thing.Sa negosyo, it built my empire — asking the right questions, digging deep until every secret was mine.Pero ngayong gabi, that same curiosity turned against me.Because the question wasn’t about profit margins or merger clauses.It was about her.Amelia Cruz.Sinabi ko sa sarili ko, it was just business — gusto ko lang malaman kung sino ang representative ng law firm bidding for one of Blackwood Corporation’s biggest contracts.Half true, maybe.Pero habang nakaupo ako sa opisina, past midnight, staring at the city lights, alam kong may iba pa.“Sir?”Si Lucas, my assistant, stood by the door — always efficient, loyal, never asks more than he needs to.“You asked for a background report on Ms. Cruz?”Tumango ako. “Yes. Everything public — education, employment history, family. Nothing invasive.”He hesitated. Just a second.“Of course, sir.”
Last Updated: 2025-10-16
Chapter: The Arrogant CEOAmeliaPaglabas ko ng office, halos midnight na. Tahimik na ang city—yung klase ng katahimikan na mapapaisip ka kung ilan pa bang tao ang gising… either chasing their dreams, o tumatakbo mula rito.Ako? Nasa gitna siguro.Nag-vibrate ang phone ko pagpasok ko sa elevator. Si Maya — best friend ko since college. Hindi talaga siya natutulog nang maaga, lalo na kapag alam niyang OT na naman ako.> Maya: “Tell me you’re out of that office, woman.”Me: “Just left.”Maya: “Good. I’m heating leftovers. You’re coming over.”Napangiti ako kahit pagod. Ang version kasi ni Maya ng “leftovers” ay parang handa ng fiesta—at may kasamang emotional support sa bawat subo.Pagdating ko sa apartment niya, naghihintay na siya sa pinto—barefoot, messy bun, oversized shirt na may print na “Overworked but Still Fabulous.”“You look like a zombie.” sabi niya, sabay yakap.“I feel like one.” sagot ko, sabay bagsak ng ba
Last Updated: 2025-10-16
His Billion-Dollar Secret
Amara Lopez never believed in fairy tales—especially not the kind that involved ruthless billionaires in tailored suits. She only wanted to finish law school and help her struggling family. But fate throws her into the path of Damian Cruz, the cold and arrogant heir to Cruz Holdings. Their worlds collide when Amara becomes his reluctant intern, sparking a war of wills that neither of them expects to lose.
What begins as hatred soon shifts into something more dangerous: desire. But Damian isn’t just any man—he carries a billion-dollar secret that could destroy everything they’re building together. His fortune, his family’s dark past, and a legacy bound by betrayal all stand between them.
As enemies turn to lovers, Amara must decide whether to risk her heart on a man the world calls ruthless—or walk away before his secrets consume her.
In a world of luxury, lies, and love that burns too hot to ignore, can a billionaire with everything to lose hold on to the one woman he can’t let go?
Read
Chapter: Sophia’s ReturnDamian’s POVSophia Alaric had always known how to make an entrance.She walked into the boardroom like she owned it — cream suit tailored within an inch of perfection, heels clicking with intent, that faint, knowing smile that never reached her eyes. Power wasn’t something she chased. She performed it. Effortlessly.“Mr. Cruz,” she greeted, sliding into the seat beside him before anyone else could. “Congratulations on your reinstatement. I think it’s time we remind the world why Cruz Holdings used to be untouchable.”He regarded her coolly. “Untouchable isn’t the goal anymore.”Sophia’s smile deepened. “Spoken like a man who’s found humility. Don’t worry — I’ll make sure it photographs well.”A few board members chuckled politely. Damian didn’t.When the meeting wrapped, most filtered out with murmured goodbyes. Sophia lingered, arranging her folders with surgical precision.“I’ve been thinking,” she began, her tone light — calculatedly so. “The company’s image has taken a hit. Peopl
Last Updated: 2025-10-19
Chapter: New EquilibriumAmara’s POVThe day Damian returned to Cruz Holdings felt… different.Quieter. Steadier. Like the whole building was holding its breath.The glass walls that once mirrored tension now gleamed with a fragile kind of calm. People moved through the halls with cautious optimism — their smiles smaller, but real. After months of chaos and whispers, the company finally felt like it was finding its footing again.Amara adjusted the stack of reports on her desk, her eyes drawn — despite herself — to the reflection of Damian’s office across the floor. The blinds were half-drawn, but she could still make out his silhouette: head bent over paperwork, sleeves rolled, posture intent.He was back. But he wasn’t the same.Neither of them were.Since everything that had happened, what they had existed in the in-between — quiet mornings with shared coffee before anyone else arrived, a brief touch when no one was looking, a look that spoke volumes in silence.They’d promised to rebuild — slowly, private
Last Updated: 2025-10-18
Chapter: The ReckoningAmara’s POVBy morning, it was everywhere.News sites. Blogs. Even the business pages.“CEO Damian Cruz Suspended Amid Internal Investigation — Alleged Affair with Employee.”Every notification felt like a punch.By the tenth alert — the one that plastered her face beside his in some grainy gala photo from months ago — she stopped checking her phone.Cruz Holdings buzzed with gossip. Conversations cut off when she walked past. People who used to greet her suddenly couldn’t meet her eyes.She’d worked too hard to be seen as competent, independent — more than just someone’s favorite.And now, one rumor had erased all of it.Ethan found her near the elevators, his face a mix of guilt and exhaustion.“Amara, wait.”She turned slowly, arms folded. “You shouldn’t be talking to me right now.”“I have to.” His voice cracked. “It was me. The HR complaint. I thought I was protecting you. I didn’t think it would—”“Don’t.” she cut in.“Amara, please. I just wanted—”“You wanted to prove you were
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: The ChoiceDamian’s POVThe boardroom felt colder than usual that morning.Maybe it was the way every conversation stopped when he walked in — or how the executives, people who once spoke to him with respect, now couldn’t meet his eyes.It didn’t matter. He already knew why he was there.The email had arrived before dawn:Subject: Mandatory Appearance — Board Session Re: Conduct Investigation.He hadn’t slept much. Not because of fear, but because of what Amara had said the night before.“You can’t keep deciding what I need.”Those words hadn’t stopped echoing since.He’d built his life on control — and that control had brought him here, standing in front of twelve board members, their gazes sharp enough to slice through him.“Mr. Cruz,” the chairman began, voice clipped and formal. “You understand why we’ve called this session?”Damian nodded once. “I do.”A director leaned forward, eyes glinting. “You’ve been accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an employee under your dire
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: Rumors and RisksAmara’s POVThe email hit her inbox at 9:47 a.m.Subject: Internal Review — Conduct InquiryHer fingers froze above the keyboard. For a second, she forgot how to breathe. The words blurred, sharp and cold like ice against her skin.She read the first line again, heart hammering in her chest.> This is to inform you that an internal review has been initiated concerning your professional conduct and potential breach of company policy.Her name.Damian’s title.The subtext screamed louder than the words ever could.Her stomach dropped.Even before she looked up, she felt it — the shift in the air, the way conversations quieted when she walked past. Whispers that had once been rumors now sounded like proof. And she was the headline.For a long moment, Amara just sat there, staring at the screen. Then, before she could lose her nerve, she stood and walked straight to Damian’s office.The assistant tried to stop her. “He’s in a—”She didn’t wait. The glass door swung open under her hand.Da
Last Updated: 2025-10-16
Chapter: Ethan’s MoveEthan’s POVHe’d told himself a hundred times it wasn’t his problem.That whatever Amara chose — whoever she chose — wasn’t his to question.But lately, the look in her eyes made that impossible to believe.That tired, faraway look she wore when she thought no one was watching.And it burned.Ethan had always admired her — not just for her talent, but for that quiet strength she carried. The kind that didn’t need attention to command respect. He’d watched her climb her way up, earn every ounce of credibility in rooms that didn’t want to give it to her.And now… people were whispering again.He’d heard the laughter in the breakroom. The not-so-subtle jokes when her name and Damian Cruz’s came up together.He wanted to believe it wasn’t true. That Amara wouldn’t risk everything she’d worked for.But then he saw them.In the garage. Late.Damian’s hand at her back, her face tilted toward h
Last Updated: 2025-10-16
Kiss of Ruin
Akala ni Elara Cruz, nakatakas na siya sa madilim na nakaraan ng pamilya niya. Tahimik na buhay na lang ang gusto niya—malayo sa gulo, malayo sa sakit. Pero lahat nagbago nang makilala niya si Damian Blackthorn—ang cold, ruthless, at sobrang dangerous na heir ng isang crime empire.
He’s everything she should avoid.
Pero isang halik lang mula sa kanya, at malinaw na: “Akin ka.”
Mahalaga ba ang puso kung kapalit nito ay buhay?
Hanggang saan kaya ang kaya niyang isugal para sa isang pag-ibig na bawal, mapanganib, at nakakatukso?
Sa mundong ginagalawan ni Damian, ang loyalty sinusukat sa dugo… at ang betrayal binabayaran ng kamatayan.
At sa huli, kailangang pumili ni Elara: lalaban ba siya—o magpapalunod sa halik ng sariling pagkawasak?
Read
Chapter: Wrath of the KingElara’s POVThe morning after the siege, the whole world reeked of blood and smoke.Half-wrecked na ‘yung mansion — walls blackened, marble cracked, hangin mabigat sa amoy ng nasusunog at dugo. Hindi natulog si Damian. Ako rin.He was on the balcony, tahimik lang, staring down at the ruins — mga banner ng House Rorik, punit, nagpa-flutter sa hangin. Dried blood still stained his shirt. His eyes, darker than night itself.> “They thought this was a message,” he said, voice low, lethal. “Let’s give them one back.”My stomach twisted. Kilala ko ‘yung tono na ‘yon.Hindi ‘yung hari ang nagsasalita ngayon.‘Yung halimaw.---Damian’s POVBy noon, everything was set. Orders sent.No mercy. No survivors. Lahat ng kaalyado ng Rorik — wiped out.Walang nagtanong. Walang umangal. My men knew better. Alam nila kung anong mangyayari kapag ang Hari ng Blackthorn ang nag-utos.They’ll call this the Culling of the East.Sumama ako sa kanila.Unang target — Rorik manor. Isang malaking fortress overlo
Last Updated: 2025-10-19
Chapter: The SiegeElara’s POVThe first explosion shattered the night like thunder.Nagising ako sa tunog ng basag na salamin, kasabay ng malayong ugong ng apoy. For a second, hindi ako makagalaw—then the door burst open and one of Damian’s guards stumbled in, duguan ang sentido.“Your Majesty—attack! House Rorik’s forces breached the eastern gates!”Parang umikot ang mundo ko.Damian wasn’t here. He’d gone to inspect another territory—hours away.“Get my weapons.” I ordered, tumayo agad from bed.“Ma’am, we have to move you to the safe chamber—”“No,” I snapped. “Hindi ako magtatago habang sinusunog nila ang estate ng asawa ko.”The guard hesitated, but one look from me was enough.I changed fast—black leather, dagger sa hita, at ang crest ni Damian sa dibdib. My heart was pounding, half from fear, half from something sharper.Resolve.---Damian’s POVThe message reached me at dawn.Isa sa mga tauhan ko dumating sakay ng kabayong halos himatayin sa pagod. “The Blackthorn estate is under siege,” he ga
Last Updated: 2025-10-19
Chapter: A Crown TestedElara’s POVPula ang umaga.Mula sa balkonahe, kita ko ang usok na tumataas sa bandang ilog — parang mga banderang nagha-hamon sa Blackwood crest.House Rorik.Ang unang pamilyang naglakas-loob na labanan si Damian nang harapan.Hindi sila nagpadala ng sulat o bulong.Nagpadala sila ng sundalo.Nakita ko si Damian sa war council chamber — napalibutan ng mga heneral, mga mapa, at amoy ng langis at bakal. Mabigat ang hangin, parang bawat isa handang sumabog.“Your Majesty.” sabi ng isa, halatang hindi komportable nang makita akong pumasok.Parang wala raw akong karapatang naroon.Pero hindi ako humingi ng paalam.“I’ll be joining this meeting.” sabi ko.Lumingon si Damian — mga mata niyang malamig at mapanganib. Naka-itim na battlewear, bahagyang bukas ang kwelyo, parang apoy na pinipigilang sumiklab.“Elara,” mahinahon niyang sabi, “this is not your place.”Lumapit ako. “Everything that threatens your crown threatens mine. Kaya oo, this is my place.”Nagkatinginan ang mga heneral, para
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: Queen of DaggersElara’s POVTinawag nila akong reyna, pero ngayon lang nagsisimula ‘yong salitang ‘yon magkaroon ng totoong ibig sabihin.Hindi dahil kay Damian.Hindi dahil sa korona.Pero dahil ngayong umaga, pagpasok ko sa council hall — tumayo sila.Hindi lahat, syempre. Yung iba dahil sa takot. Yung iba, instinct.Pero may ilan—konti lang—na tumayo dahil sa respeto.At ‘yon, bago.Mabigat ang hangin sa loob ng silid, puno ng tensyon at amoy ng mamahaling pabango.Lahat ng lalaki rito may dugo sa kamay, at bawat babae may sikreto sa likod ng ngiti.Pero nang magsalita ako, lahat ng mata nasa akin.Kahapon lang, pinatigil ko ang rebelyon sa eastern trade port.Hindi sa dahas—kundi sa diskarte.Nagpakalat ako ng maling impormasyon, pina-away ko ang mga pamilya sa isa’t isa.Pagdating ng mga tao ni Damian, tapos na ang gulo.Hindi nila ako nakita.Pero ngayon, nakikita na nila.“Gentlemen,” sabi ko, kalmado pero matalim ang tono. “Narinig kong may mga… concern tungkol sa bagong sistema.”Tahimik.Ng
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: Shadows of DesireElara’s POVTahimik ang palasyo ngayong gabi.Mas tahimik kaysa dati.Kahit anong linis gawin ng mga tagasilbi — kahit anong palit ng kurtina o pagpunas ng sahig — hindi mo basta-basta maaalis ang amoy ng usok at bakal.Yung alaala ng dugo.Ng kapangyarihan.Ng kasalanan… at siguro, ng pagnanasa rin.Nakatayo ako sa bintana ng silid namin, suot ang pulang robe na ibinalabal sa’kin ni Damian kanina. Hindi puti, gaya ng dati. Pula — malalim, parang alak, parang memorya ng mga kamay kong nagdilig ng dugo.Narinig ko ang mga yabag niya sa likod ko. Mabagal. Kalmado. Parang alam niyang siya ang panganib.“You’re awake.” mahina niyang sabi.“I couldn’t sleep.”“Guilt?”Huminga ako nang malalim, tinitingnan ang repleksyon niya sa salamin. “No. Not guilt.”Sandaling katahimikan.“Something else.”Lumapit siya, tumigil sa likod ko. Ramdam ko ang kamay niyang dahan-dahang dumulas sa baywan
Last Updated: 2025-10-16
Chapter: Blood Stains SilkElara’s POVAmoy rosas at dugo ang gabi.Sabi nila, isang reyna daw dapat hindi nadudumihan ang kamay.Pero ngayong gabi, pulang-pula na ang mga kamay ko.Nakaluhod sa harap ko ang isang lalaki — nakagapos, nanginginig. Isa sa mga huling naglakas-loob na kwestyunin ang pwesto ko sa tabi ni Damian. Hindi siya ordinaryong traydor. Isa siyang lord — matanda, mayabang, at sobrang sanay na walang umaangal sa kanya.> “Your Majesty,” sabi niya, pilit pa ring mayabang kahit halatang natatakot. “You’re just a child playing queen. The people follow him—not you.”Dati, masasaktan ako sa ganun.Ngayon, nakakaantok na lang pakinggan.Naglakad ako paikot sa kanya, marahan. Yung laylayan ng gown ko humahaplos sa marmol. Puting-puti pa ‘to kanina — a bold choice, maybe. Pero siguro gusto ko lang makita kung gaano kadaling madumihan ang innocence.Sa gilid, nakatayo si Damian. Tahimik. Naka-black. Ang tingin niya sa’ki
Last Updated: 2025-10-16
LOGIN
