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?"

nod, but she

Hamilton once said, nobody would help

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

rest easy. I'm taken, loyal heart and soul, unlike

he

realizing she wanted to

with Caspian, Natalia headed straight for her

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

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

Natalia's frown deepened.

recognized her instantly. "Hello, Ms.

Natalia inquired, "What's going

two lovebirds had a tiff

throbbed. "When did

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

the nanny still there, who brightened

Jenkins, you're back!

you," Natalia replied, spotting Hamilton lounging with a newspaper on

playing at? Clearly, he was waiting for

him, she strode to the bedroom, only to find it

dewy, filling the room with their scent. A massive cake sat on

"Like it? Surprise?"

her. She hadn't

arms around her gently from behind. "Natalia, all of

heart ached with a mix of

gestures would have

wanted none

he insisted on

free

spend your time better seeking out a new flame. Surely that's

do you

met his gaze.

he had

dog? Then I'll be

A dog in heat!

neck, hands roaming, desperate to ignite her

him, everything would be back to

gave him nothing

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

looked at him, "I've lost all feelings for

didn't buy it. They had been together

been incredibly