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

said, nobody

approach had surprised her, but his company had been nothing but

I'm taken,

knew exactly who he referred to with

she wanted to change the subject,

Caspian, Natalia headed straight for her

split with Hamilton, she hadn't returned, yet

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

Natalia's frown deepened.

her instantly.

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

two lovebirds had a tiff but

"When

couple has their squabbles.

nanny still there, who brightened at the

back! How

you," Natalia replied, spotting Hamilton lounging

man playing at? Clearly, he was waiting

she strode to the bedroom,

petals, still dewy, filling the room with their scent. A

"Like it? Surprise?"

behind her. She

his arms around her gently from behind. "Natalia,

heart ached with a mix

such gestures would have overjoyed her. But

wanted none

on presenting

free

Fowler, you might spend your time better seeking out a new flame. Surely that's more exciting than

do you

met his gaze. "A

twitched, and in an instant, he had

a dog? Then I'll

A dog in heat!

kissed her neck, hands roaming, desperate to ignite

just sleep with him, everything would be

Natalia gave him nothing in

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

at him, "I've lost all feelings for

had been

they had been incredibly in sync in