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."

assessment. Rose had disappeared after the bombings. Herod Preston hadn't

you want,

who owe me favors. I can get information you can't access through regular channels." "Out of the goodness of your

flinched. "I know

when..." He trailed off. "I made terrible choices. I can't

air between them. "I did. I

everything

broke on the last word. "I'm

1/4

Chapter 138

Rain hammered against the

man. But his practical side recognized t "If.... and it's a big if..... we use your help, it would be on my terms,

goes

face. "Agreed.

Contacts. Every detail you can

know so far. Security footage from one of

doors, even when your name is mud." A ghost of Stefan's former confidence flickered across

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

leave. "She

nothing, pocketing the drive

*** ***

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

get this?" she

answering. "Stefan Rodriguez brought it

shock washing over her features. "Stefan? Why

Alexander moved closer, resting his hands

didn't think you'd believe him

"He's right about

"So she's working with Bessonov now. After everything Victoria did to expose

transaction record. "A withdrawal of half a million dollars from an offshore account linked to Rose, the day before she

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

her desk. "What did Stefan want in return for this

"Nothing."

a sharp, harsh sound with no humor.

always wants something."

make amends, in whatever small way

"I told him everything goes through me. He won't contact you

"You believe him?"

the question.

to you. Whether that makes him

from her chair, walking to the window that overlooked the city. The afternoon

care what happened to me. Not after 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 Alexander joined her at the window.

"No." Camille

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

handle him," Alexander promised.

see him or speak

"I think

frowned. "Are you sure? After

gesture that had become almost instinctive. "That Camille died in a parking garage. I want him to see

determination in her eyes.

a woman who had walked through fire and

he said.

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