The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return (Cynthia and Ethan) novel Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Cynthia’s POV

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While Nikolai was about to leave after dropping the packages in my trunk, a sudden commotion erupted nearby.

A group of student protestors – protesting for something mild, from what I could hear, something about cafeteria hours and library access – rushed up toward the parking lot, completely oblivious to us but still chanting and waving their signs enthusiastically.

The unexpected surge of people startled me. I stepped back instinctively, but there were so many of them, moving so quickly…

Nikolai’s arm came around me, pulling me close to shield me from the crowd rushing past.

His other hand braced against my car, creating a protective barrier as students streamed around us on both sides, their voices loud and energetic.

When the crowd finally passed and the noise faded, I suddenly became acutely aware of our position.

Our bodies were touching. Pressed together, actually. I could smell his perfume–something woody and expensive, distinctly masculine. Feel the solid warmth of his chest against my shoulder. Sense his breath near my temple.

It was very awkward.

I immediately pulled away, and Nikolai seemed to come to a realization too, his arm dropping quickly as he stepped back.

“I apologize,” he said, looking slightly flustered – an expression I’d never seen on his usually composed face.

“It’s fine,” I interrupted, smoothing down my jacket unnecessarily. “Thank you for… protecting me.”

Silence stretched between us, heavy with the awareness of what had just happened.

“How is your restaurant doing?” Nikolai asked suddenly, clearly trying to break the awkwardness.

“Very fine,” I said, forcing a smile, though I had thanked him earlier for helping me drop those accusations on the net about my restaurant when Anna tried to sabotage it, I still felt the need to thank him again, “I am grateful to you, Nikolai,” i said smiling

at him.

He raised a brow wondering why I am suddenly grateful.

“I am grateful for how you helped my restaurant the other day, I can’t seem to thank you enough”

He let out a gentle smile, “Perhaps you can treat me lunch to show your gratitude”

That made me almost laugh, I knew what he was trying to do. I knew he wanted to just spend time with me, but I am not about to allow myself get involved. “I’d look into that” I said with a genuine smile.

Then I remembered the project Bryan should be working on by now. He’d clearly said he would be done in two days. I needed to follow up on that, make sure everything was on track.

“I should get going,” I said, moving toward my car door. “I’ll give Amber these gifts. He’ll be very happy. Thank you, Nikolai. Really.”

“Of course. Please give him my regards.”

We exchanged more pleasantries–polite, formal, both of us trying to pretend that moment of closeness hadn’t happened.

Then I hopped into my car, started the engine, and pulled out of the parking lot.

My security detail followed in another car behind me, maintaining their professional distance.

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#107

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As I drove toward Amber’s school, I thought about dismissing them. There was really no point in having them follow me all the way there. No threat was posed at a school, and it would be strange for Amber to see that his mother had security details when even his wealthy father didn’t use them regularly.

I pulled over briefly and walked back to their car, they had already hopped out to find out what was wrong.

“I’m just picking up my son from school,” I told them through the window. “You can head back. I’ll be fine.”

The lead security officer – Jace, looked uncertain. “Ms. Laurent, we’re supposed to stay with you at all times.”

“I’m going to a school. In broad daylight. To pick up my child. I think I can manage.” I smiled to soften the dismissal. “Really, it’s fine. I’ll call if I need you.”

He still looked reluctant, but nodded. “Understood. We’ll be on standby.”

I got back in my car and continued to Amber’s school alone.

When I arrived, it was still a bit early before dismissal time. The parking lot was already filling up with other parents, some sitting in their cars like me, others standing in groups chatting.

I settled into my seat and pulled out my phone, scrolling through social media while I waited.

My restaurant’s I*******m had blown up even more

thousands of new followers, hundreds of comments on every post.

People tagging friends, making reservations, asking questions about the menu.

Pierre had posted a video earlier today of the kitchen staff preparing for tonight’s service, and it already had over fifty thousand views.

I smiled, feeling a swell of pride. We’d built something real. Something lasting.

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