Irene_Fejiro

In the heart of a bustling modern city, two worlds collide.

Emilia Stone is the poised and polished heiress to a powerful corporate empire. She lives a life of elegance, expectations, and control—where love is an accessory and vulnerability is a weakness. But beneath the designer dresses and media-perfect smile lies a woman who craves something real.

Sebastian Lores is everything she’s been warned about—rough around the edges, fiercely independent, and unapologetically working-class. He fixes engines by day and minds his own business by night… until a spilled coffee and a sharp-tongued heiress turn his routine upside down.

Their worlds could be different, but their chemistry is undeniable.

As passion ignites between them, Sebastian and Emilia must navigate not only their growing desire, but the harsh glare of judgment, secrets from the past, and the dangerous game of falling for someone completely off-limits.

Will their forbidden flame burn them both—or forge something that can’t be broken?

Forbidden Flame.

Emilia stood at the top floor conference window, arms crossed as the city stretched beneath her in glittering silence. The skyline didn't care about betrayal. Neither did the markets. What they wanted was leadership—and she was finally ready to give it.

Behind her, Tasha entered quietly. "Crest's resignation letter just came in. Legal says it's full of deflection and zero accountability."

"Let him bury himself," Emilia replied, turning. "Leak nothing yet. But flag every financial trail linked to him. I want no loose ends."

"And schedule an all-staff virtual call. Tonight. I want to speak to the entire company."

Tasha blinked. "You've never done that before."

9:00 PM – Companywide Live Broadcast

The screen flickered to life, and one by one, employees tuned in. Emilia sat in the center of the frame—sharp black blazer, unyielding gaze, no frills. Just power and presence.

"Good evening," she began. "I won't waste your time."

"This week, I uncovered evidence of serious breaches within our leadership team. One executive, Martin Crest, has been removed pending full investigation and possible prosecution."

Gasps rippled through remote rooms and offices. Emilia didn't flinch.

"Some of you may feel shocked. Betrayed. Disillusioned. So do I. But this company was never meant to be ruled by secrets, and I will no longer allow its future to be tainted by shadows."

"Moving forward, StoneTech will operate with transparency and integrity at its core. We are initiating a third-party forensic audit. No immunity. No exceptions."

Her voice softened, just enough. "For those who are loyal—for those building something greater—I promise you this: I will protect this company like my life depends on it. Because it does."

She ended the stream before questions could flood in.

It was her way. No distractions. No doubt.

Back in her office, Emilia poured herself a drink. Her hands trembled slightly, the weight of the day finally settling into her bones. The mask of composure cracked for just a second.

Sebastian: I saw the broadcast. You were incredible.

She stared at the screen for a moment. Then typed back:

Sebastian: That's how you know it mattered.

She didn't know how he always knew the right thing to say.

Chapter 21