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."

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

do you

in his chair. "I have connections of my own. People who owe me favors. I can get information you

"I know you

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

The simple admission hung in the air between them. "I

everything

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

1/4

Chapter 138

Rain hammered against the

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 it's a big if..... we use your help, it would be on my terms, Alexander said finally. "You don't

Everything goes

Stefan's face. "Agreed.

Contacts. Every detail

far. Security footage from one of Bessonov's clubs

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

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

"She deserves

the drive

*** ***

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

you get this?" she asked, her voice carefully

hesitated before answering. "Stefan Rodriguez brought

up, shock washing over her

about you." Alexander moved closer, resting his hands lightly on

because he didn't

"He's right about

studying Rose's face. "So she's working with Bessonov now. After everything Victoria did

transaction record. "A withdrawal of half a million dollars from

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

of her desk. "What did Stefan want in return

"Nothing."

a sharp, harsh sound

always wants something."

make amends, in whatever small

told him everything goes through

"You believe him?"

considered the question. "I believe

what he did to you. Whether that makes

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

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. "I told him I'd use his information, but that's all. If

"No." Camille

stop her before anyone else gets hurt..." She paused, a

him,"

him

"I think I should

frowned. "Are you sure? After everything he

anymore." Camille touched the phoenix pendant at her throat, a gesture that had become almost instinctive. "That Camille died in a parking garage. I want him

eyes. The same look she'd

bombings. The look of a woman

it," he said. "Somewhere

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255