Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 162

Lucinda chuckled and rose to her feet.

"Graham, you better not let me down."

Graham's laugh revealed a set of yellowed teeth, his murky eyes fixed on Lucinda.

"The job's easy enough, but the real trick is having the cash on time, Mrs. Schafer. If the money's late, my lips might just get a bit loose."

The smile vanished from Lucinda's face as if it had never been there.

"Graham, we've done business before. You know what I'm like. Spare me the threats and the shenanigans. I won't be bullied."

With that, she turned and strode out with her head held high.

Downstairs, in the car, Eveleen saw Lucinda approaching and quickly inquired, "How did it go?"

Lucinda let out a soft laugh. "That Graham is as dumb as he is greedy. But don't worry, he's got Natalia in a vice grip. As long as he's in the picture, she'll drop the lawsuit like a hot potato."

Eveleen exhaled with relief, then snorted dismissively, crumpling the subpoena in her hand and tossing it aside.

Lucinda's eyes darkened as she glanced at the crumpled paper. The subpoena had landed at the Schafer family's doorstep a couple of days ago. They never imagined that Natalia would have the guts to sue Eveleen, and what was more, to hire Caspian of all people. Where did that little minx get the clout to engage someone of Caspian's stature?

Lucinda's expression soured, but after a moment, her eyes sparked with an idea.

"The best move is to get Hamilton on this. If he steps in, not even Caspian could refuse you. He might even help take down Natalia."

Eveleen's face fell further. Did Lucinda really think she hadn't considered Hamilton?

At dinner earlier that day, she'd broached the subject with Hamilton, but he hadn't bitten. Throughout their conversation, he only seemed interested in discussing cosmetic surgery.

Hamilton's recent aloofness was all too apparent. Even though he'd promised a lifetime of support, each favor asked was one less in the bank. And with Hamilton's current favoritism towards Natalia, Eveleen couldn't be sure he'd take her side. So, she'd rather turn to Graham.

Eveleen replied, her voice tinged with

expression stormy. After a deep breath to calm herself, she dialed

the outskirts of Silkwood City, screams

a dark crimson. Blood spattered his face and clothes as he tugged at

shade paler. Since arriving, Hamilton hadn't uttered a single word, venting his

Alden had seen Hamilton like this was with Graham. Concern etched his features; this could

rang. Seeing who it was,

Ms. Jenkins is

bandaged hand, responded

put the call

could you find me

voice came through, prompting a cold

rather ask Alden than

knee, the snap of breaking

the commotion over

"Alden, what's going on?"

quickly ended the speaker function to continue speaking with Natalia privately. Returning to the scene, Hamilton had taken a seat. Orpheus, barely recognizable as human, was begging through bloodied lips, "Please, sir, I made a mistake, spare my life, I swear I know I was

bandage and

quickly caught

daring to

never meant to off that

brow furrowed deeper, his eyes swirling with a chilling intensity. After a long pause, he

him to

for a moment that Hamilton might kill Orpheus

leaning against his car, smoking. Alden approached and asked, "What's the

his cigarette, slowly exhaling a cloud of smoke before finally responding to the question that had been hanging in the air. "If you were Natalia, would you ever forgive me?" He was surprised to find himself thinking of her at a time like this, a wave of panic

what to say. After all, nobody could truly

you really need to sort things out with Eveleen first. Otherwise, I bet Ms. Jenkins won't change her mind, no matter what." Hamilton let out a short laugh, "And how do you

a loss

response. "You've got to draw a clear line with