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 didn't deny

once said, nobody would

her, but his company

I'm taken, loyal heart and soul,

he referred to with

laughter sidestepped the implication, and Caspian, realizing she wanted to change the subject,

parting ways with Caspian, Natalia

hadn't returned, yet her belongings

and cancel the lease but didn't expect to find her

Natalia's frown deepened.

her instantly.

Natalia inquired, "What's going on? Where are

lovebirds had a tiff but made up, so you're moving

throbbed. "When did he

every couple has their squabbles. Just

the nanny still there, who brightened at the

Jenkins, you're back! How are you

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

playing at? Clearly, he was waiting

him, she strode to the

filling the room with

"Like it? Surprise?"

came from behind her. She hadn't noticed

from behind. "Natalia,

ached with a mix of

would have overjoyed

wanted none of

on presenting them to

wrenched free

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

do you take me

his gaze. "A

twitched, and in an instant, he had pinned her

I'm a dog? Then I'll

A dog in heat!

neck, hands roaming,

she'd just sleep with him, everything

him nothing

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

him, "I've lost all

didn't buy it. They had been

been incredibly