The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return (Cynthia and Ethan) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

**Cynthia’s POV**

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After my brief speech earlier, the students had listened attentively, taken notes, and even smiled at me on their way out though I could still sense the lingering curiosity in their eyes.

–

I tried to keep myself composed and avoid Nikolai’s gaze during the lecture, but he kept staring at me in a way that made me feel shy and unsteady.

I refused to let this young man

—

who I was sure I was at least eight years older than – make me feel like a flustered teenager.

I was gathering my notes when Kevin appeared at the doorway, his usual grin plastered across his face.

“Perfect timing,” I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder. “Let me guess, you’re here to make sure I don’t get mobbed by the paparazzi again?”

Kevin chuckled. “Partly. Mostly because you promised me there’d be food at this gala we’re attending, and you know I don’t do empty stomachs and fancy speeches.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled. “It’s not just any gala. It’s the Missford–European Trade Alliance event evenings where business moguls pretend to care about culture and art.”

Kevin made a dramatic groan. “So, you’re saying there’ll be no food worth eating?”

Before I could answer, a shriek echoed down the hallway.

“CYNTHIA?!”

–

one of those stuffy

I turned, startled, just in time for a blur of chestnut hair and bright eyes to collide into me, nearly knocking the wind out of my lungs.

“Matilda?” I gasped, my eyes widening in disbelief.

“Oh my God, it is you!” she cried, her arms still wrapped tightly around me. “Cynthia Walker…” she paused and shook her head, “Cynthia Cynclair… or should I say Mrs. Mystery Chef of Paris? You’re alive! You’re actually alive!”

The guards instantly moved forward, their reflexes sharp and professional.

“It’s okay,” I said quickly, my voice firm. “She’s a friend.”

Matilda finally let go, her laughter bubbling between tears. “A friend? Cynthia, I was your shadow in college! You disappeared off the face of the earth, and when I came back from Asia, I went looking for you! And guess who I met?” Her expression darkened. “Anna. That woman told me you were dead. Dead, Cynthial Do you know how many nights I cried?”

I smiled, trying not to ruin the moment at the sound of Anna’s name. “That devilish Anna. She just doesn’t stop, does she?”

“She said you had cancer and didn’t make it!” Matilda sniffed, visibly furious. “But then I saw that video online…and I almost fainted. You’re alive, you’re successful, and you look stunning!”

I laughed, hugging her again, a deep warmth spreading through my chest. “So many things have happened, Tilly. I have so much to tell you the kind of gist that will take a whole bottle of wine and a long night.”

–

Kevin cleared his throat loudly beside us, pretending to check his nonexistent watch. “Are you two done with the emotional reunion, or should I go get popcorn?”

I rolled my eyes, stepping aside. “Kevin, meet Matilda… my dearest friend since college. Matilda, this is Kevin… my, uh, friend.” I lied, because I didn’t know if I should say the truth about Kevin being my brother yet, I don’t know if my relationship with Matilda is still the same as it used to be when we shared secrets.

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#25

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I may have to tell her the truth later on.

Kevin smirked at the hesitation in my voice. “Just a friend, huh?” He extended a hand to Matilda, his charm switching on like a spotlight. “Pleasure’s all mine, Dr. Matilda. Cynthia’s told me nothing about you, which means you’re probably the one person she’s scared to brag about.”

Matilda blushed, shaking his hand. “Oh, I like you already. And please… just Matilda.”

“Oh no,” I muttered under my breath. Kevin took it as a hobby to flirt with any good looking woman he sees, what a playboy.

Kevin leaned closer to her, his grin widening. “Matilda it is. You wouldn’t happen to be single, would you? Asking for a very handsome F1 racer who happens to be standing right in front of you.”

“Kevin!” I hissed.

But he ignored me completely, still flashing that practiced, heart–stopping smile. Matilda giggled like a schoolgirl.

I groaned and turned away, pretending to look at my phone. My eyes landed on Nikolai at the far end of the corridor and my breath caught.

He was leaning casually against the wall, watching us. Specifically, watching me.

Had he been standing there this whole time? Creepy!

He started walking toward us…slow, confident strides that screamed authority and ease. The closer he came, the more impossible it became to ignore how absurdly handsome he was. Sharp jawline, dark hair just tousled enough to look effortless, ocean blue eyes that seemed to see far too much, and made me lost in it.

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