The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return (Cynthia and Ethan) novel Chapter 273

Chapter 273

Cynthia's POV

The police arrived within minutes — two patrol cars with sirens blaring, officers jumping out before the vehicles had even fully stopped.

They approached cautiously, their expressions a mixture of relief and professional concern.

"Cynthia Cynclair?" one of them asked, though it was clear from the crowd still filming and shouting that they already knew who I was.

"Yes," I said, my voice hoarse. "That's me."

"We need to get you to the station," the officer said gently. "For your statement. And to get you checked out medically."

"I don't need medical attention," I said immediately. "I need to report a kidnapping. Ethan Walker — my husband — he's still being held. By Grace Walker and her son Pascal. They're in a warehouse about four hours outside the city, near…"

"Ma'am," the officer interrupted, holding up a hand. "We'll get all of that at the station. Right now, let's get you somewhere safe."

I nodded, my hands still shaking.

Miguel and Carmen stood nearby, looking overwhelmed and confused by the chaos.

"These people helped me," I said to the officers, gesturing to the couple. "They drove me back to Missford. They saved my life. Please… they need to come too. They need to give statements."

The officer nodded. "Of course. We'll take care of them."

He started guiding us toward one of the patrol cars when I heard the unmistakable rumble of an engine.

I turned sharply.

Kevin's car screeching to a halt at the edge of the crash scene, the tires smoking slightly from how hard he'd braked.

The driver's door flew open.

And Kevin came running.

He looked like he hadn't slept in days—hair disheveled, eyes bloodshot, clothes wrinkled like he'd been wearing them for longer than he should.

But when he saw me, his entire face transformed.

Relief. Joy. Disbelief

All of it crashing together.

"CICI!" he shouted, pushing through the crowd.

I broke away from the police officer and ran to meet him.

We collided in the middle of the street, Kevin's arms wrapping around me so tightly I could barely breathe, and I didn't care.

I buried my face in his shoulder and sobbed.

"You're okay," Kevin was saying, his voice breaking. "You're okay. You're alive. Oh my God, you're alive."

"I'm okay," I choked out. "I'm okay."

Behind Kevin, I saw Nikolai climbing out of the passenger seat, his expression tight with concern.

He approached more slowly, more carefully, giving Kevin and me our moment.

But when I pulled back from Kevin, Nikolai was there.

"Cynthia," he said softly.

And then he pulled me into a hug too, one hand gently cradling the back of my head, his touch so careful, so tender.

"I was so worried," Nikolai murmured. "We all were."

Fresh tears spilled down my cheeks.

"I thought I was going to die," I whispered. "I thought… I thought I'd never see any of you again."

Kevin gripped my shoulders, pulling back to look at me properly, his eyes scanning my face, my arms, checking for injuries.

"Are you hurt?" he demanded. "Did they hurt you?"

"I'm fine," I said quickly. "But Ethan… Kevin, Ethan is still there. With Grace and Pascal. They have him in a warehouse, and we need to get to him…"

My voice broke completely and they were all staring at me pathetically.

"We have to find him," I said desperately. "We have to go now."

"We will," Kevin said firmly. "We'll find him. But first, you need to give your statement to the police. Tell them everything. The location, the details… everything."

I nodded, wiping at my eyes.

One of the police officers approached cautiously.

"Ms. Cynclair," he said. "We need to get you to the station."

"I'm going with her," Kevin said immediately.

Followed by Julian.

And my mother.

Victoria's face was streaked with tears, her usually perfect composure completely shattered.

"Cynthia," she breathed.

And then she was across the room, pulling me into her arms, sobbing into my hair.

"My baby," she whispered. "My baby, thank God, thank God…"

Julian wrapped his arms around both of us, crying too, and Nathaniel stood beside us, his hand on my shoulder, his own eyes red.

"We thought we'd lost you," Nathaniel said, his voice thick. "Again."

"I'm here," I said, crying harder now. "I'm okay."

Detective Susan stood quietly, giving us a moment.

Then Victoria pulled back, cupping my face in her hands.

"Are you hurt?" she demanded. "Did they…"

"I'm okay, Mom," I said. "But Ethan…"

"We know," Nathaniel interrupted. "Kevin told us. The police are already organizing a rescue operation."

"It needs to be now," I said desperately.

"They'll find him," Nathaniel said firmly. "I promise, Cici. They'll find him."

Julian squeezed my hand. "Amber's been asking for you nonstop. Helen and Lily are with him at home. He'll be so happy to see you."

Fresh tears spilled down my cheeks.

Detective Susan stepped forward.

"Ms. Cynclair," she said. "We have your statement. We're coordinating with the local authorities near the village you described. We'll find him."

"Please hurry," I whispered.

I couldn't bear the thought of losing him.