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."

nightmare that had consumed their lives for months was finally ending.

first, pushing past tactical officers and paramedics to reach the room where Victoria and Camille had been held. What he saw there would haunt his dreams for

the car accident. Her expensive clothes were torn and dirty, and her eyes held the hollow look of someone who

of concussion. The injuries from the car crash had been worsened by hours of captivity, and

dropped to his knees beside her chair as paramedics cut the

and

really me. You're safe now. We found

her head but winced from the movement. "Victoria.

free Victoria from her restraints. "She's alive. You're

federal agents. The man who had

not the master manipulator who

to end this way," Alexander

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

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 firm but not angry. "What you wanted wasn't justice, James. It was revenge.

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

as Alexander held Camille's hand while paramedics monitored her vital signs. Victoria was in a separate

they approached the hospital. "I

We can talk when

thought I was going to die, when James was hurting

"What?"

of being afraid of being hurt again." Camille's voice was weak but clear. "I love you,

he heard Camille's words. After everything they had been through, after all the pain and betrayal and manipulation,

said. "And I promise you that no

lies, no outside forces. Just

hospital,

average

aside from injuries from the car

sat in Camille's hospital room, watching her sleep