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."

rusted machinery and broken concrete, toward the building where the nightmare that had consumed

and paramedics to reach the room where Victoria and Camille had been held. What he saw there would haunt his dreams for years

and dirty, and her eyes held the hollow look of someone

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

his knees beside her chair as paramedics cut the zip ties from her wrists.

and pained. "Alexander?

safe now. We found

her head but winced from the movement.

was helping paramedics free Victoria from

Whitfield being led away in handcuffs by federal agents. The man who had orchestrated so much pain and destruction looked smaller than Alexander had expected, diminished by defeat and the reality

and for a moment, Alexander saw not the master manipulator who had destroyed his marriage, but a broken man who

to end this way,"

deserved justice. My

FBI arrested you for kidnapping and attempted murder." Alexander's voice was firm but not angry. "What you wanted wasn't justice, James.

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

ambulance ride to Mount Sinai Hospital felt endless as Alexander held Camille's hand while paramedics monitored her vital signs. Victoria was in a separate ambulance with Stefan, both women receiving medical care for their injuries from the car

the hospital. "I need to

We can talk

"When I thought I was going to die, when James was

"What?"

whatever time I have left loving the 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 work. I want us to build

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

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

manipulation, no lies, no outside forces.

the hospital,

average

physically unharmed aside from

room, watching her sleep peacefully