Beneath The Flame

Aurora "Rory" Bianchi, once the deadliest heir to a notorious Italian mafia empire, vanished without a trace after a devastating family tragedy she can't forget-a tragedy subtly orchestrated by the very family her heart would later choose. Leaving behind the blood-stained streets of Rome, she sought refuge and anonymity in the vibrant chaos of Manila, Philippines. With every last cent of her savings, she built "The Ember & Rye," a hidden culinary gem known for its exquisite, exclusive dishes and a waitlist longer than a mob hit list. As its elusive head chef, Rory reigns supreme, her true identity as the owner a closely guarded secret known only to her trusted staff.

Her carefully crafted low-key life shatters when the notoriously charming, yet equally dangerous, Marco De Luca walks into her restaurant. He's the scion of a powerful Filipino mafia family, disguised as a legitimate businessman, and their first encounter is a fiery clash over a spoiled blind date and a "substandard" dish. Yet, destiny-or perhaps fate's cruel humor-brings them together again when Ember & Rye is chosen to cater his company's anniversary. Marco finds himself irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic chef, her sharp wit and hidden depths far more captivating than any high-society debutante.

Can Rory protect her family, save her empire, and reconcile with the man whose heart he was forced to break, all while navigating a world where love and loyalty are the most dangerous weapons of all? And what devastating secret links Marco's family to the tragedy that forced her to flee?