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.

to involve him," Eveleen

After a deep breath to calm

on the outskirts of Silkwood City, screams

clothes as he tugged at

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

was

rang. Seeing

Ms. Jenkins is calling

wrapping his bandaged hand, responded

the

could you find me a couple

through, prompting a cold

ask

Orpheus's knee, the snap of breaking bone filled

over the phone,

"Alden, what's going on?"

to continue speaking with Natalia privately. Returning to the scene, Hamilton had taken a seat. Orpheus, barely recognizable as human, was begging through bloodied

his bandage and casually asked, "Did

off guard, Alden hesitated but quickly caught on and looked at

daring to

to off that woman-it was

swirling with a chilling intensity. After a long pause, he

to

moment that Hamilton might kill

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

a long drag on 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 rising in him

uncomfortably, unsure of what to say. After all, nobody could truly know how much heartache she'd

won't change her mind, no matter what." Hamilton let out

a loss for

ages, he finally managed a response. "You've