The Empire's Ruin Novels & Stories

“I’m starting to think you’re using it as an excuse.” The frustration in his face was real. So was the want underneath it. “I’m trying to survive here,” I said. “I’m trying not to make a mistake. Your father doesn’t hand out second chances.” “And I’m the mistake?” “That’s not what I said.” Owen let out a short breath and dragged a hand through his hair. When he spoke again his voice was lower.

Like bare electrifying cables, and it delighted him. "Revenge. Damian's downfall... His destruction. I want the empire he worked so hard for to crumble into nothingness." "And that will be done."

Would that really be so bad? Yes, Briar. I hiss inwardly. Think with your head instead of your pussy. No. I couldn’t go back and risk running into him again. I was certain that nothing good could come from having a relationship with a man like that. If I so much as let myself get closer to him and his world, I knew that he would lead me to ruin.

"Well, except to the marinara sauce. That didn't make it." "Mom?" Timothy appeared at my side, eyes wide. "You made a mess." "I know, baby. I'm sorry. It was an accident." A store employee materialized with a mop and warning signs. Great. Now I was that person. The one who destroyed merchandise and created hazards. The man was still standing there. Still smiling. "I really am sorry," I said again. "Are you okay? I didn't hurt you, did I?" "I'll survive." He extended his hand. "Nathan Reid."

And I stood there, staring at the sister I thought I knew, realizing that what broke me wasn’t just losing my fiancé… it was losing the one person I never thought would hurt me like this. The sound of my mother’s sobs echoed through the house, and Adira’s last whisper trembled through the air… “I never meant to fall in love with him… but I did.” And that was when I realized… this wasn’t the end of something. It was the beginning of ruin. “Did you just say you love him???!!"

He spread his hands slightly then his face turned at the sound of the door. “Oh, there he is. You'll all be interning directly under him,” he said. I turned to the door and my heart stopped dead in my chest. No, this can't be. It can't be. “Everyone, meet my son and the heir to the Santiago enterprise,” Eduardo reiterated, with a proud smile on his face. The familiar stranger of the other night walked in, dressed up in a two-piece pitch black suit that reflected the jet black color of his hair and emphasised the rare grey color of his eyes.

he demands, his grip tightening. “You, Ivan,” I manage between laughs. “Your grand plans, your delusions of power. You have no idea what’s coming for you.” His face darkens, a storm brewing in his eyes. “You think you can mock me? You have no idea of the power I wield.” But I do. I’ve seen it, the brittle foundation of his empire, destined to crumble under the weight of his hubris. “No, Ivan. It’s you who doesn’t understand. Ruin is coming for you whether you like it or not. And he won’t stop until you’re nothing but a memory.”

Another disaster. The authorities had frozen one of our properties. A second investor had withdrawn support. A third contact had vanished entirely. The day continued deteriorating. One call after another. One loss after another. One betrayal after another. By evening, I finally understood the truth. The empire was collapsing. Not slowly. Not gradually. Instantly. Like a building whose foundations had already been destroyed. I sat alone in the dark. The city lights glittered beyond the glass. For years, I had manipulated everyone around me.

she argued. “Architetta.” He leaned closer, his hands gripping each side of his desk as his voice dropped dangerously low. ”Then this job may take more from you than you expect.” She could feel it then, the danger lurking behind his words. Promising retribution. AILANI’S POV (24 hours earlier.) “She collapsed suddenly.” Everything in my life changed with those three words. A single phone call was all it took to send my whole world crashing down, like a rollercoaster on a broken track.

I demanded in a low tone, the anger burning “ Yes, I did. You might have taken over the company but I still have a say in your life, it's final, you just need a wedding for the public's sake but the marriage is a done deal.” “ Who gave you the right to do that, father!” Fury boiled in me. “ I had to for this empire's sake and for your sake, I knew there was no way you would agree to it and you need to fucking move on! Before everyone thinks the rumours are true.” “ I don't care about any rumours, they can say whatever they like, but it doesn't stop my business from running smoothly,” I said indifferently. “You didn't cause her death, Alek, stop hurting yourself for her…” he took a deep breat