The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return (Cynthia and Ethan) novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69

Cynthia’s POV

I walked through the front door of the Laurent mansion feeling lighter than I had in days.

I’d seen Amber. Held his hand. Kissed his forehead. Told him I loved him and he was happy to see me.

That small victory was enough to carry me through the exhaustion, the jet lag, the emotional whiplash of the past hours. My son knew I loved him. Everything else could be figured out.

11

The house was warm and alive when I entered. I could hear familiar, comforting voices that made me happier.

My family was here.

I found them gathered in the main sitting room. Nathaniel sat on one of the leather sofas, his arm draped casually around Helen, his wife, and there was Lily who was cooing on her mom’s laps.

Kevin was sprawled in an armchair, his long legs stretched out in front of him. Julian sat more formally in another chair, his posture impeccable as always.

And on the massive television screen mounted above the fireplace was my mother, Victoria Laurent.

“Cynthia!” Victoria’s face lit up when she saw me enter. “There you are, darling. Come, come, sit down. We were just catching up.”

I settled onto the sofa beside Kevin, who immediately threw an arm around my shoulders.

“You look exhausted,” he murmured.

“Thanks,” I whispered back. “You really know how to make a girl feel special.”

He grinned and squeezed me closer.

“Now that everyone’s here,” Victoria said from the screen, her elegant features warm with affection, “I want to say how much I’ve missed all of you. This video calling is wonderful, but it’s not the same as being there in person.”

“Then come visit, Mother,” Julian said. “You keep saying you will.”

“I’m planning to,” Victoria replied. “In fact, I was thinking of coming to Missford in about two months. I want to see everyone. Especially my grandchildren.” Her eyes twinkled. “And hopefully, by then, there will be more on the way.”

Helen laughed nervously. “Don’t look at me. Lily is more than enough chaos for now.”

“Another baby would be wonderful,” Victoria pressed. “Lily needs a sibling.”

“Lily needs to learn to stop putting crayons in her mouth first,” Helen said dryly, glancing down at her daughter. “One step at a time.”

Victoria turned her attention to Kevin. “And you, my dear. When are you going to settle down? You’re not getting any younger.” Kevin clutched his chest in mock offense. “I’m in my prime, Mother. Athletes peak in their thirties.”

“Athletes, perhaps. Bachelors, no.” Victoria’s expression was stern but her eyes sparkled with humor. “Have you at least met someone? Anyone?”

Kevin’s gaze flickered to me for just a moment. “Actually, I have been interested in someone lately. A friend of Cici’s.”

“Oh?” Victoria leaned forward eagerly. “Tell me more.”

“Her name’s Matilda. She’s a doctor. Smart, beautiful, doesn’t take any of my crep

“She sounds perfect,” Victoria said approvingly. “When do I get to meet her?”

“Slow down, Mother. I haven’t even taken her on a proper date yet.”

The room erupted in laughter.

Victoria’s attention shifted to Julian. “And what about you, Julian? Any prospects? Any young women catching your eye?

Julian’s expression didn’t change, but I noticed his shoulders stiffen almost imperceptibly.

“You can count me out,” he said smoothly. “I’m far too busy with my medical practice to think about romance.”

“Busy is just an excuse,” Victoria chided gently, “Your father was busy too, and he still found time to sweep me off my feet.”

“Perhaps I simply haven’t met the right person,” Julian said, his tone final.

I studied my brother for a moment. In all the time I’d known him, which admittedly wasn’t that long I’d never seen him show interest in anyone. No dates, no flirtations, no lingering glances. He was always composed, always professional, always… alone. Was he uninterested in love entirely? Or was there something else going on that he wasn’t sharing?

Before I could dwell on it, Victoria turned to me.

“Cynthia, darling. How are you? Have you been able to see Amber?”

The room went slightly quieter. Everyone knew this was a sensitive subject.

“I saw him,” I said, managing a small smile. “Briefly. At the hospital.”

“Hospital?” Victoria’s brow furrowed with concern. “What happened? Is he alright?”

“He had surgery…a hernia operation. He’s recovering well.”

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