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?"

she didn't deny

nobody would

initial approach had surprised her, but his company had been

Jenkins, rest easy. I'm taken, loyal

knew exactly who he referred

sidestepped the implication, and Caspian, realizing she wanted to change the subject, began discussing

ways with Caspian, Natalia headed straight for her

split with Hamilton, she hadn't returned, yet

the lease but didn't expect to

Natalia's frown deepened.

her instantly.

brow, Natalia inquired, "What's

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 he tell

throbbed. "When

me. Your boyfriend looked quite upset, so I didn't dare question him. Ms. Jenkins, every couple has their squabbles. Just kiss and make up, no need for dramatic exits." Natalia thanked Alba and left

she was surprised to find the nanny still there,

Jenkins, you're back! How

replied, spotting Hamilton lounging with

at? Clearly, he was

she strode to the bedroom, only to find

the

"Like it? Surprise?"

behind her. She hadn't noticed him

around her gently from behind.

with a

such gestures would have overjoyed

none of

insisted on

wrenched free from

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

what do you

his gaze. "A

instant, he had pinned her to the rose-covered

dog?

A dog in heat!

hands roaming, desperate to

she'd just sleep with him, everything

Natalia gave him

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

"I've lost

buy it. They had been together for three

three years, they had been incredibly in sync