Chapter 317

Chapter 317:

A future where creation trumped destruction. Where “Mommy” wasn’t a word said only in final goodbyes but in everyday moments for years to come. Where Rose’s bombs had failed to destroy what mattered most: the bond between two women who had chosen each other as family.

Alexander Pierce stood in the hospital corridor outside Victoria’s room, cell phone pressed to his ear as he absorbed the news.

“You’re certain it’s her?” he asked the FBI agent on the other end of the line.

“One hundred percent,” came the reply. “Clear facial match in multiple video segments. We’re preparing to release the footage to the media within the hour.”

“I want to see it first,” Alexander insisted. “Send it to my security team immediately.”

After ending the call, Alexander leaned against the wall, the weight of the news settling on his shoulders. They had suspected Rose from the beginning, of course. They had known, deep down, who was responsible. But confirmation brought its own burden—the question of how to tell Camille.

She had barely left Victoria’s bedside in the five days since the bombing. The unexpectedly hopeful news about Victoria’s treatment options had lifted some of the darkness from Camille’s spirits, but she remained fragile, caught between relief that Victoria might have years rather than months, and fury at Rose for accelerating her illness with the bombing.

Now, Alexander held proof of Rose’s guilt in his hands. Not conjecture or suspicion, but undeniable visual evidence.

He checked his phone as the email arrived, opening the video files and watching them in grim silence. There was Rose, her movements calm and deliberate as she placed the bombs that would kill six people. No hesitation. No sign of conflict. Just cold, calculated destruction.

Alexander closed the files, his decision made. Camille needed to know before she saw it on the news. She deserved that much.

He knocked softly on Victoria’s door before entering. Camille sat beside the bed as always, but Victoria was awake today, her color somewhat improved from yesterday. They both looked up as he entered.

“What is it?” Camille asked immediately, reading his expression. “Something’s wrong.”

Alexander moved to her side, placing a hand on her shoulder. “The FBI has identified the bomber from security footage,” he said quietly. “It’s Rose. They have clear images of her placing the devices throughout the hotel.”

Camille’s face remained perfectly still, but Alexander felt the slight tremble that ran through her body at his words.

“Show me,” she said.

“Camille…” Victoria began, concern in her voice.

“I need to see it,” Camille insisted. “Show me the footage.”

Alexander hesitated, then handed her his phone with the video cued up. Camille took it, her hand steady despite the storm he knew must be raging inside her. Victoria motioned for Alexander to help her sit up higher so she could see the screen as well.

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