SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 230

Chapter 230

The abandoned textile warehouse in Queens stood silent against the gray dawn sky as federal agents took their positions around the building. Alexander crouched behind a concrete barrier with Stefan and FBI Special Agent Diana Chen, watching through binoculars as tactical teams prepared for the assault that would either save Victoria and Camille or confirm their worst fears about Rose's information.

"Two heat signatures on the third floor," Agent Chen whispered into her radio. "Stationary positions consistent with restrained captives. One mobile signature moving between them."

Alexander felt his heart pounding as he realized the heat signatures meant Victoria and Camille were still alive. After hours of desperate searching and the agonizing decision to trust Rose, they had finally found them.

"Teams Alpha and Bravo, prepare for simultaneous breach," Agent Chen continued. "Priority is hostage safety. Suspect is considered extremely dangerous and likely armed."

Stefan checked his borrowed tactical vest and communication device. Despite having no formal training for this kind of operation, he had refused to stay behind while Camille's life hung in the balance. "How long until we move?"

"Sixty seconds," Agent Chen replied. "Remember, you and Alexander stay back until the building is secure. This isn't a movie - real tactical operations require discipline and training you don't have."

Through the broken windows of the third floor, Alexander could see movement and the faint glow of artificial light. Somewhere in that building, James Whitfield was holding the two women Alexander loved most, probably unaware that his fifteen-year campaign of revenge was about to end.

"All teams, go," Agent Chen commanded.

The warehouse erupted into coordinated chaos as federal agents stormed multiple entry points simultaneously. Flash-bang grenades exploded on different floors, creating confusion and disorientation designed to overwhelm James's ability to respond to the assault.

Alexander watched through his binoculars as tactical officers rappelled through third-floor windows while others charged up internal staircases. The operation unfolded with military precision, each team knowing exactly where to go and what to do.

"Contact, third floor!" came a voice over the radio. "Suspect is armed. Hostages located and secured."

The words sent relief flooding through Alexander's chest, but he couldn't fully relax until he saw Victoria and Camille with his own eyes.

"Suspect down! Hostages are alive but need immediate medical attention."

Agent Chen signaled for Alexander and Stefan to follow her as she moved toward the warehouse entrance. "James is in custody, but we need to get Victoria and Camille to the hospital immediately."

toward the building where the nightmare that had consumed their lives

the third floor first, pushing past tactical officers and paramedics to reach the room where Victoria and Camille

zip-tied to a metal chair, her face streaked with tears and blood from the car accident. Her expensive clothes were torn and dirty, and her

her head lolling forward as paramedics checked her pupils for signs of concussion. The injuries from

to his knees beside her chair as paramedics cut the zip ties from her wrists. "Camille,

unfocused and pained. "Alexander?

me. You're safe now. We

lift her head but winced from the movement. "Victoria. Is

was helping paramedics free Victoria from her restraints. "She's alive. You're both alive. That's all that matters right

man who had orchestrated so much pain and destruction looked smaller than Alexander had expected, diminished by defeat and the

the master manipulator who had destroyed his marriage, but a broken man who had spent fifteen years consumed by hatred

to end

the agents trying to move him along. "Your uncle deserved justice. My father deserved justice. Victoria Kane deserved

his crimes. My uncle got justice when the truth about his murder was exposed. Victoria got justice when the FBI arrested you for kidnapping and attempted murder." Alexander's voice was

something flickered in his eyes that might have been recognition or regret. But then the federal agents resumed

vital signs. Victoria was in a separate ambulance with Stefan, both women receiving medical care for their

Camille whispered as they approached the hospital. "I need to tell

strength. We can

this now." Camille's grip on his hand tightened. "When I thought I was going to die, when James was hurting Victoria and I couldn't

"What?"

matter to me instead of being afraid of being hurt again." Camille's voice was weak but clear. "I love you, Alexander. I want our marriage to work. I want us to

had been through, after all the pain and betrayal and manipulation,

he said. "And I promise you that no one will ever

no outside forces. Just us, choosing each

hospital,

average

Victoria and Camille would make full recoveries. Victoria had suffered psychological trauma from James's torture, but she was physically unharmed aside from injuries from the car crash. Camille had a concussion and various bruises, but

hospital room, watching her