The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return (Cynthia and Ethan) novel Chapter 274

Chapter 274

Cynthia's POV

I found Miguel and Carmen standing near one of the police cars, looking small and overwhelmed by everything happening around them.

They'd just given their statements, and an officer was explaining what would happen next — follow-up interviews, possible court testimony if it came to that.

I approached them, my chest tight with gratitude.

"Miguel. Carmen," I said quietly.

They turned, and Carmen's face immediately softened.

"Cynthia," she said warmly. "¿Estás bien?"

Are you okay?

"Yes," I said. "Thanks to you. Both of you. I wouldn't be here if you hadn't helped me."

Miguel shifted uncomfortably, clearly still processing everything that had happened.

"I'm sorry," he said gruffly. "For not believing you at first. For thinking you were…"

"It's okay," I interrupted gently. "You didn't know me. And I know how it must have looked."

I took a breath.

"But I want to keep my promise," I continued. "About the car. I told you I'd give you one, and I meant it."

Miguel opened his mouth to protest, but Carmen elbowed him sharply.

"We would be very grateful," Carmen said, her eyes shining.

I turned to Nathaniel, who was standing a few feet away, talking urgently on his phone.

"Nathaniel," I called.

He looked up immediately, ending his call.

"What do you need?" he asked.

"Can you arrange for Miguel and Carmen to get one of our cars?" I asked. "A good one. Reliable. Something that won't break down."

Nathaniel didn't even hesitate.

"Consider it done," he said. "I'll have someone bring a selection to their home. They can choose whichever one they want."

Miguel's eyes went wide.

"You're serious," he said, disbelief written all over his face.

"Completely serious," I said. "You saved my life. It's the least I can do."

Carmen pulled me into a tight hug, tears streaming down her face.

"Gracias, mija," she whispered. "Muchas gracias."

Thank you, my daughter. Thank you so much.

I hugged her back, my own eyes burning.

Then Miguel stepped forward, offering his hand.

"If you need anything else," he said quietly. "Anything at all. You know where to find us."

I shook his hand firmly.

"Actually," I said, an idea forming. "There is one more thing."

Miguel raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Can you help guide the police back to your farm?" I asked. "I'm not sure I can remember the exact route. The roads were… complicated."

Miguel nodded immediately. "Of course."

"And after," Carmen added, "we can still visit our daughter. It's not New Year's yet. We won't be too late."

Relief flooded through me.

"Thank you," I said. "Thank you so much."

…

The convoy was assembled quickly.

Four police vehicles, heavily armed tactical units, Detective Susan coordinating everything from the lead car.

I rode in the second vehicle with Nathaniel, Miguel squeezed into the front seat giving directions, Carmen sitting beside me in the back.

The drive felt endless.

Every mile that passed was another mile closer to Ethan.

Another mile closer to finding out if he was still alive.

Detective Susan's voice crackled over the radio.

"All units, we have visual confirmation. Proceed with caution. Suspects are considered armed and dangerous."

The vehicles slowed, positioning themselves strategically around the perimeter of the warehouse.

Officers poured out, weapons drawn, moving with practiced precision.

Detective Susan turned to look at me through the window of her vehicle.

"Ms. Cynclair," she said firmly. "You need to stay here. Let us handle this."

"But…" I tried to protest.

"Stay here," she repeated. "That's an order."

I wanted to argue.

Wanted to run to the warehouse myself, to find Ethan, to make sure he was okay.

But I knew she was right.

I'd only get in the way.

I watched, my heart in my throat, as the tactical team approached the warehouse.

Detective Susan raised a megaphone.

"This is the Missford Police Department," her voice boomed. "We have the building surrounded. Grace Walker, Pascal Walker — come out with your hands up. You are under arrest for kidnapping, assault, and attempted murder."

Silence.

No response.

No movement.

Detective Susan tried again.

"We know you're in there. Come out peacefully and no one will be hurt."

Still nothing.

The tactical team moved closer, positioning themselves at the entrances.

And I sat there, frozen, barely breathing, praying harder than I'd ever prayed in my life.

Please let him still be there and alive.