Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 163

Eveleen's entanglement with the kidnapping case was a serious criminal matter, one that typically would be out of Caspian's jurisdiction.

But the thought of this young girl, clueless and deceived, it just didn't sit right with him.

As expected, Natalia's face contorted into a visage of utter shock the moment he broke the news.

"Mr. Spiegel, what are you saying?"

For a moment, Natalia thought she had misheard, or perhaps misunderstood his words.

Caspian watched her, lips pursed, before he repeated himself.

"Eveleen was part of the crew that orchestrated your kidnapping. She was in cahoots with Orpheus."

Natalia's brow furrowed, and she struggled to find her words.

"How did you come to know this?"

Caspian pulled out his smartphone and showed her a video clip.

The footage was of Orpheus, post-arrest, a shadow of his former self, battered and bruised, but confessing the entire plot.

He laid it all out - from why he had snatched her, to Eveleen's involvement, down to the bitter decision to leave her for dead at the bottom of a ravine. It was all there, painfully clear. Natalia's grip on the phone tightened.

So that was it. It had all been a setup from the start.

A bitter laugh escaped her as she looked up, her eyes tinged with the redness of anger.

"Mr. Spiegel, thank you for telling me. Is there a way to ensure Eveleen won't be granted bail or a reduced sentence?"

With Orpheus's testimony, Eveleen's involvement was undeniable.

But Natalia knew neither the Schafers nor Eveleen would go down without a fight.

And Hamilton might just lend a hand to help.

With a wry smile and the sour taste of betrayal on her tongue, she posed the question. Caspian raised an eyebrow; the girl was tougher and sharper than he'd anticipated. "Since I've shared this with you, rest assured, I have a plan. Leave it with me."

A small, grateful smile crossed Natalia's lips. "Thank you," she said after a pause.

She laughed lightly, adding, "I'm just not sure how to repay your kindness."

Caspian's assistance was invaluable, and she felt indebted.

Caspian chuckled. "What? You think I have an ulterior motive?"

she

nobody

had surprised her, but his company had been nothing but

rest easy. I'm taken, loyal heart and

knew exactly who he referred to

realizing she wanted to change the

Caspian, Natalia headed straight for

she hadn't returned, yet her belongings

up and cancel the lease but didn't expect to find her landlady, Alba, tidying

Natalia's frown deepened.

her instantly. "Hello,

a furrowed brow, Natalia inquired, "What's going on? Where are my

was apologetic. "Your boyfriend's already picked them up. He said you two lovebirds had a tiff

throbbed. "When did

quite upset, so I didn't dare question him. Ms. Jenkins, every couple has their squabbles. Just kiss and make up, no need

surprised to find the nanny still

Jenkins, you're back! How are

better, thank you," Natalia replied, spotting Hamilton lounging with a newspaper

this man playing at? Clearly, he was

strode to the bedroom, only to

the room with their

"Like it? Surprise?"

her. She hadn't noticed him follow

gently from behind. "Natalia, all

with

such gestures would have overjoyed her. But

wanted none

insisted on

wrenched free from

might spend your time better seeking out a new flame. Surely that's more exciting than someone you've been with for so long, right?" Hamilton's face

you take me

met his gaze. "A

and in an instant, he had

I'm a dog? Then I'll be

A dog in heat!

kissed her neck, hands roaming, desperate to ignite

sleep with him,

gave him nothing

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

"I've lost all

buy it. They had

they had been incredibly in sync