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

said, nobody would help

initial approach had surprised her, but his company

rest easy. I'm taken,

exactly who he referred to with

she wanted to change the subject, began discussing

Natalia headed straight

returned, yet

lease but didn't expect to find

Natalia's frown deepened.

instantly. "Hello,

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

apologetic. "Your boyfriend's already picked them up. He said you two lovebirds had

temple throbbed. "When did he

I didn't dare question him. Ms. Jenkins, every couple has their squabbles. Just kiss

was surprised to find the nanny still there,

back! How

you," Natalia replied, spotting Hamilton lounging with a

this man playing at? Clearly, he was waiting for

him, she strode to the bedroom, only to find

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

"Like it? Surprise?"

came from behind her. She hadn't noticed him

around her gently from behind. "Natalia, all of this is for

with a

gestures would have overjoyed her.

wanted none

he insisted on presenting them

free from Hamilton's

Surely that's more exciting than

what do you take me

his gaze.

twitched, and in an instant, he had pinned her to

dog? Then

A dog in heat!

kissed her neck, hands roaming, desperate to ignite

sleep with him, everything would

him nothing

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

at him, "I've lost all feelings

had been together for

they had been incredibly in sync in the