The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return (Cynthia and Ethan) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Cynthia’s POV

Kevin hadn’t taken it well that Nikolai had captured my long–lost friend, Matilda’s attention so effortlessly, and he pouted over it all through the ride here.

Now, he wouldn’t spare Nikolai any form of kindness. His tone dripped with that sharp–edged sarcasm he’d perfected over years of dealing with people he didn’t like. He sauntered over with the picture of calm confidence but his narrowed eyes told a different story.

Nikolai turned to him with a polite smile. “Kevin Laurent,” he said in that calm, measured tone. “I didn’t expect to see you here either.”

Kevin didn’t return the smile. “I’m full of surprises,” he said coldly.

The tension between them was already rising, and I could sense Kevin starting to stir it on purpose. Silently, I prayed he wouldn’t slip into one of his dramatic moods.

“I’m Nikolai Cross.”

Nikolai extended his hand toward Kevin, his tone polite, steady, almost charming.

For a second, Kevin just stared at his hands. His eyes flicked from Nikolai’s face to the outstretched hand and back again, his expression unreadable but his silence loud enough to make me nervous.

The moment dragged a little too long, and my stomach tightened.

Oh no.

I could already imagine the headlines: F1 Racer Kevin Laurent Snubs Paris Young Man in public over Cynthia of Maison Cynclair Perfect, another scandal.

“Kevin,” I whispered under my breath, nudging him lightly with my elbow, a silent plea for him not to make this more awkward than it already was.

Nikolai’s hand was still hanging and unwavering, even as Kevin’s hesitation stretched into something that felt almost like defiance.

“You already know my name,” he said shortly. His voice was smooth, but his grip wasn’t.

It wasn’t just a handshake anymore; it was a test of willpower, silent and tense. I saw the flicker of determination in Kevin’s eyes as he tightened his grip, and for a split second, I noticed Nikolai trying not to wince.

After what felt like a small eternity, Kevin released him.

“It’s very nice to meet you,” Kevin said, his tone sounding cool but falsely polite, like every word had been dipped in quiet challenge.

Then, as if to emphasize that challenge, he reached for my hand…lacing his fingers through mine with casual confidency, like he was marking territory.

I froze for a moment, my eyes darting to Nikolai who seemed to notice the gesture but didn’t rise to it. His expression remained calm, unreadable, but there was a glint in his eyes that told me he understood exactly what Kevin was doing

And to my surprise, he didn’t act like he cared.

“I was just saying hello to this beautiful woman,” Nikolal said with an unbothered tone, the hint of a wronk playing on his lips. I’ll see you around, Cynthia. Have a nice evening.”

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Then he gave me one last smile and turned to leave. His tall frame moved effortlessly through the small crowd at the entrance, his confidence almost disarming.

I watched him go, enjoying the aura of that calm strength radiating from him even in the simple act of walking away.

Kevin, on the other hand, hissed under his breath. A sound of annoyance, frustration… maybe jealousy.

I rolled my eyes, slipping my hand from his grip. “You didn’t have to act like that, Kevin.”

He turned to me, incredulous. “Act like what?”

“Like you were about to arm–wrestle him into submission!” I said, keeping my voice low but sharp. “You nearly crushed his hand.”

“He deserved it.” Kevin pouted. “He was flirting with you.”

“He was talking to me,” I shot back, exasperated. “It’s called a conversation. People do it all the time.”

“Not men like him,” Kevin snapped, glancing in the direction Nikolai had gone. “Guys like that… they don’t just talk, Cici. They calculate and everything’s a move with them, I’m not letting anyone make a silly move on you.”

I stared at him for a moment, torn between irritation and reluctant amusement. “Kevin, you’re not my bodyguard and even if you were, you can’t just go around intimidating every man who says hello to me.”

He folded his arms, frowning. “Well, maybe I should. Considering how men in this city seem to treat you.”

I sighed, rubbing my temple. “You sound like Nathaniel now.”

He looked proud. “Good. Someone has to.”

I was about to argue further when I noticed a shift in his expression, his smirk faded and his eyes focused on something.

“What now?” I asked, following his gaze and saw Ethan.

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