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

Hamilton once said, nobody would help another

surprised her, but

taken,

who he referred to

Caspian, realizing she wanted to change the subject, began

ways with Caspian, Natalia

Hamilton, she hadn't returned, yet her belongings remained, including some

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

Natalia's frown deepened.

recognized her instantly. "Hello, Ms.

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

smile was apologetic. "Your boyfriend's already picked them up. He said you two lovebirds had a tiff but made up, so you're moving back in. Didn't

throbbed. "When did

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

she was surprised to find the nanny

back! How are

Hamilton lounging

was this man playing at? Clearly,

strode to the bedroom, only to find it

rose petals, still dewy, filling the room with their scent. A massive cake sat

"Like it? Surprise?"

voice came from behind her. She

wrapped his arms around her gently from behind. "Natalia,

with

gestures would have overjoyed her.

wanted none

on presenting

free from

new flame. Surely that's more exciting than someone you've been with for so

do you

his gaze. "A

he

I'm a dog?

A dog in heat!

hands roaming,

just sleep with him, everything would be back

Natalia gave him nothing in

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

at him, "I've lost

it. They had been together

been incredibly in sync