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?"

didn't nod, but she didn't

nobody would help another

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

I'm taken, loyal heart and soul, unlike

who he

implication, and Caspian, realizing she wanted to change the

ways with Caspian, Natalia headed

Hamilton, she hadn't returned,

cancel the lease but didn't expect

Natalia's frown deepened.

her instantly.

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

up. He said you two lovebirds had

throbbed. "When did he

rather late actually. Came through the agency to find me. Your boyfriend looked quite upset, so I didn't dare question him. Ms. Jenkins, every couple has their squabbles. Just kiss and make

nanny still there, who brightened at the sight

back! How

replied, spotting Hamilton lounging with a

at? Clearly, he was waiting for

him, she strode to the bedroom, only to find

the room with their scent. A massive cake

"Like it? Surprise?"

voice came from behind her. She

from behind.

ached with a

would have overjoyed her. But

none of

he insisted on presenting them to

wrenched free from

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

you take me

his gaze. "A

he had pinned her to

dog? Then

A dog in heat!

roaming, desperate

she'd just sleep with him, everything would be back

him nothing in

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

"I've lost all

They had been

years, they had been