SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 138

Rain pounded against the windows of Pierce Tower

as Alexander pored over security reports. Three days had passed since the Phoenix Grid attacks, and the constant worry had etched new lines around his eyes. His phone buzzed. Unknown number. He almost

"Pierce."

"I need to see you." A male voice, quiet but urgent. "It's about Camille. And Rose."

Alexander stiffened. "Who is this?"

"Stefan Rodriquez."

The name sent a surge of anger through Alexander. His grip tightened on the phone. "You have nothing I want to hear."

"Please," Stefan's voice cracked. "Rose has contacted people, dangerous people. Camille is in danger."

Alexander checked his watch. "The Plaza Hotel. Thirty minutes. Come alone."

He ended the call, his thoughts churning. Stefan Rodriguez, the man who had broken Carmille's heart, who had chosen Rose over her. His instinct screamed to ignore him. But if there was even a tiny chance C Alexander made another call. "Double security on Ms. Kane. And run a background check on any criminal associates of Rose Lewis."

The Plaza's Oak Room was nearly empty at this hour. Alexander chose a corner booth with a clear view of all entrances. He ordered nothing, his body tense as he waited.

Stefan arrived five minutes early, soaked from the rain. His expensive suit hung poorly on his frame, as if he'd lost weight. Dark circles shadowed his eyes. "Thank you for..." Stefan began.

“Sit. Talk. Make it quick." Alexander cut him off, gesturing to the opposite seat.

Stefan sank into the chair, running a hand through his wet hair. "Rose has reached out to Anton Bessonov."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "The Russian?"

"Yes. He has ties to organized crime in Brighton Beach. I learned about it yesterday. One of my former shipping managers still has connections in the import business. He overheard something." Stefan leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Rose asked about

getting weapons. Serious ones."

"And why would your manager tell you this?"

Stefan's eyes dropped to the table. “Because he knows what I did to Camille. Everyone does now. He thought..." His voice faltered. "He thought I might want to make things right."

Alexander studied the

information."

man before him, looking for signs of deception. "You could have called the police with this

"And tell them what? That my ex fiance might be talking

to a Russian businessman with shady connections? I have no proof. Nothing

they could act on." Stefan met Alexander's gaze directly. "But I know Rose. I know

how she thinks. When the bombings didn't work, she'd escalate. Make it personal."

"Why come to me? Why not go to Camille directly?"

Pain flashed

across Stefan's face. "You think she'd believe anything I said? After what I did?" He shook his head. "No. But she trusts you."

information aligned with their security team's assessment. Rose had

do you

connections of my own. People who owe me favors. I can

flinched. "I know

always did, even when..." He trailed off. "I made terrible choices. I can't undo them. But Successfully

simple admission hung in the air between them. "I did. I was blind, selfish, easily manipulated.

everything

those choices. My company. My reputation. My soul." His voice broke on the last word. "I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm asking for a chance to do one decent

1/4

Chapter 138

Rain hammered against the

to protect Camille from even the memory of this man. But his practical side recognized t "If.... and it's a big if..... we use your help, it would be on my terms,

Everything goes

face. "Agreed. Whatever you

Every detail you can

Stefan produced a small flash drive from his pocket. "This has everything I know so far. Security footage from one of Bessonov's clubs showing Rose entering three days ago. Cell

owe me favors. And money still opens doors, even when your name is mud." A ghost

I'll be in touch." Alexander stood,

turned to leave. "She deserves happiness. With you. I

the drive

*** ***

hours later, Alexander stood in Camille's office at Kane Industries, the contents of Stefan's drive displayed on her screen. She stared at

you get this?" she asked, her voice carefully

hesitated before answering. "Stefan Rodriguez

shock washing over her features. "Stefan? Why

resting

he didn't think you'd

"He's right about

screen, studying Rose's face. "So she's working with Bessonov now. After everything Victoria did to expose him." "There's more." Alexander swiped

records showing multiple calls. And this..." A document appeared, a transaction record. "A withdrawal of half a million dollars from an

something. Or someone." Camille's fingers tightened

her desk. "What did Stefan want in return

"Nothing."

harsh

always wants something."

make amends, in whatever

him everything goes through me. He won't contact

"You believe him?"

the question. "I believe

what he did to you. Whether that makes him

overlooked the city. The afternoon sun glinted off distant buildings, a stark contrast to the darkness

everything." Her voice was soft, almost wondering. "It feels strange. Like finding money in the pocket of a coat you haven't worn in years. Unexpect

"No." Camille

Use whatever resources we have. Rose is escalating. If Stefan can help us stop her before anyone else gets hurt..."

him," Alexander promised.

to see him or speak

slowly, "I think I should meet with him.

you sure? After everything he

anymore." Camille touched the phoenix pendant at her throat, a gesture that had become

in her eyes. The same look

The look of a woman who had walked through

arrange it," he said. "Somewhere