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."

the nightmare that had consumed their lives for months was finally ending. Emergency vehicles were already arriving, their sirens echoing off the

to reach the room where Victoria and Camille had been held. What he

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

forward as paramedics checked her pupils for signs of concussion. The injuries from the car crash had been worsened by hours of captivity, and she appeared barely

knees beside her chair as paramedics cut the zip ties

and pained. "Alexander? Is it really

safe now. We found

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

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

Alexander caught sight of James Whitfield being led away in handcuffs by federal agents. The man who had orchestrated so much pain and destruction looked smaller than Alexander had

master manipulator who had destroyed his marriage, but

didn't have to end this way," Alexander

"Your uncle deserved justice. My father deserved justice. 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. And revenge never brings back the people we've

Alexander for a long moment, and something flickered in his eyes that might have been recognition or regret. But then the federal agents

vital signs. Victoria was in

whispered as they approached the hospital. "I

We can

hand tightened. "When I thought I was going to die, when James was hurting Victoria and

"What?"

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

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

no outside forces. Just us, choosing each

hospital,

average

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 nothing that

sat in Camille's hospital room, watching her sleep peacefully