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."

industrial complex, past rusted machinery and broken concrete, toward the building where the nightmare that had consumed their lives for months was finally ending. Emergency vehicles were already arriving, their sirens echoing off the empty buildings around

where Victoria and Camille had been held. What he saw there would haunt

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

lolling forward as paramedics checked her pupils for signs of concussion. The injuries from the car crash had been worsened by hours of

chair as paramedics cut the zip ties from her wrists. "Camille, can you

eyes fluttered open, unfocused and

me. You're safe now.

head but winced from the movement. "Victoria.

the room where Stefan was helping paramedics free Victoria from her restraints. "She's

the hospital, Alexander caught sight of James Whitfield being led away in handcuffs by federal agents. The man who had orchestrated so much pain and

saw not the master manipulator who had destroyed his marriage, but a broken man who had spent fifteen years consumed

end

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

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,

flickered in his eyes that might have been recognition or regret. But then the federal agents resumed escorting him away, and Alexander turned his attention back to the woman who needed him

felt endless as Alexander held Camille's hand while paramedics monitored her vital signs. Victoria was in a separate ambulance with Stefan, both women

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

can

I

"What?"

people who 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

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

too," he said. "And I promise you

no lies, no outside forces. Just

the hospital, doctors

average

torture, but she was physically unharmed aside from injuries from the car crash. Camille had

in Camille's hospital room, watching