The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return (Cynthia and Ethan) novel Chapter 192

Chapter 192

Ethan’s POV

I couldn’t see the stage clearly from where I stood, tucked somewhere near the side entrance of the hall, half-hidden by tall floral arrangements and moving bodies. But I could hear everything.

Nikolai Cross had one of those voices — smooth, calm, confident. The kind that carried authority without needing to shout. The kind that made people stop mid-conversation and actually listen. Even from where I stood, even without seeing his face, I could feel the room leaning toward him.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen…”

The applause that followed was thunderous.

I folded my arms unconsciously, Amber’s small hand still in mine, as Nikolai introduced himself formally as the new chairman of Cross Energy Group. He spoke about his father’s passing, the weight of legacy, responsibility, and continuity. People murmured sympathetically at the right moments. It was all very polished. Very intentional.

He talked about taking over fully in the coming year, about innovation, expansion, sustainability — corporate jargon wrapped in charm. Then he mentioned Missford University.

“I’ve had the honor of lecturing at Missford,” Nikolai said, his tone warming slightly. “And through that, I’ve met some truly remarkable people.”

My jaw tightened.

Something about the way he said that—remarkable people—rubbed me the wrong way.

He continued, speaking about collaboration, about community, about how this year had been transformative for him both professionally and personally. Personally.

That word echoed unpleasantly in my head.

I shifted my weight, suddenly aware of how out of place I felt in that moment. I wasn’t dressed for this kind of event. I wasn’t supposed to be here. I was here because I’d followed my wife like a suspicious fool instead of trusting her.

And yet, every instinct in my body told me I’d been right to come.

“Excuse me,” a soft female voice said beside me.

I turned to see one of the ushers smiling politely, clipboard in hand. She looked young, efficient, the type trained to stay calm no matter what.

“There’s a designated spot for children,” she said kindly, glancing down at Amber. “If you’d like, sir, I can take him there. It’s supervised.”

Amber didn’t even look up from his game, his earphones still firmly in place.

I frowned slightly, instinct kicking in. “Where exactly is it?”

She pointed toward a hallway. “Just around the corner. We have staff there at all times.”

“I’d like to see it first,” I said. “Just to be sure.”

“Of course,” she replied easily.

I was about to move when Nikolai’s voice changed again — lighter now, almost pleased.

She looked radiant.

The dress hugged her perfectly — not vulgar, not excessive, just elegant. Her hair framed her face in a way that made my chest tighten painfully. And that smile — soft, shy, slightly hesitant — it was the same smile she used to give me back when she still begged for my attention. Back when she’d look at me like I was the only man in the world.

Nikolai stepped aside on the stage, gesturing for her to join him.

And she did.

She walked up to the stage with poise, acknowledging the applause with a small wave, her eyes briefly scanning the room.

For a terrifying second, I thought she might see me.

I held my breath.

But she didn’t. Or maybe she did and chose not to react. I couldn’t tell.

Nikolai said something to her — something that made her laugh softly — and the sound of it hit me like a punch to the gut. It was intimate. Too intimate for my liking. The way he leaned toward her. The way she didn’t pull away.

My hands clenched at my sides.

This was why.

This was why she’d dressed like that.