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?"

but she didn't deny

Hamilton once said, nobody would

but

I'm taken, loyal heart and

knew exactly who he referred to

wanted to change the subject,

parting ways with Caspian, Natalia headed straight for her

the split with Hamilton, she hadn't returned, yet

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

Natalia's frown deepened.

her instantly. "Hello,

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

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

temple throbbed. "When did he

Ms. Jenkins, every couple has their squabbles. Just kiss and

she was surprised to find the nanny

back! How are

Hamilton lounging with a newspaper on

was this man playing at?

him, she strode to the bedroom, only to

fresh rose petals, still dewy, filling the room

"Like it? Surprise?"

her. She hadn't noticed him follow

her gently from behind. "Natalia, all

ached with a mix of

would have

wanted none

he insisted on presenting them

wrenched free from

flame. Surely that's more exciting than someone you've been with for so long, right?" Hamilton's

you take me

met his gaze.

instant, he had pinned her to the

a dog? Then

A dog in heat!

her neck, hands roaming, desperate to ignite her

with him, everything would

gave him nothing in

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

at him, "I've

had been

had been incredibly in sync in the