SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 138

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."

processing. The information aligned with their security team's assessment. Rose had disappeared after the bombings. Herod Preston hadn't been

do you

me favors. I can get information

flinched. "I know

this, but I care what hannens to Camille. I always did, even when..." He trailed off. "I made terrible choices. I can't undo them. But Successfully unlocked! "You had your

hung in the air between them. "I did. I was blind,

everything

of those choices. My company. My reputation. My soul." His voice broke on the last word. "I'm not

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Chapter 138

Rain hammered against the

silence that followed. Alexander studied the broken man before him. His instinct was to throw him out, to protect Camille from even the memory of this man. But his practical side recognized t "If.... and

Everything goes

face. "Agreed. Whatever

need names. Contacts. Every detail you can get

I know so far. Security footage from one of Bessonov's clubs

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

checks out, I'll be in touch." Alexander stood, signaling the end of the

turned to leave. "She deserves

nothing, pocketing the

*** ***

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

this?" she asked, her voice

before answering. "Stefan

head snapped up, shock washing over her features. "Stefan? Why

Alexander moved closer, resting his hands lightly on her shoulders. "He

me because he didn't think

"He's right about

Bitterness edged her words. She turned back to the screen, studying Rose's face. "So she's working with Bessonov now. After everything Victoria did to expose

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

buying something. Or someone." Camille's fingers tightened on

did Stefan want in return for this

"Nothing."

laughed, a sharp, harsh

always wants something."

make amends, in whatever small way

Alexander watched her carefully. "I told him everything goes through me.

"You believe him?"

considered the question. "I believe

you. Whether that makes him trustworthy is

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

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

"No." Camille

can help us stop her before anyone else gets hurt..." She paused, a complex mix

him," Alexander promised.

see him

Camille said slowly, "I think I should meet with him.

sure?

touched the phoenix pendant at her throat, a gesture that had become almost

determination in her eyes. The same look she'd had

press after the bombings. The look of a woman who had walked through fire

arrange it," he

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