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 deny it

Hamilton once said, nobody would

surprised her, but his

I'm taken,

exactly who he referred to

the implication, and Caspian, realizing she wanted to change

ways with Caspian, Natalia headed

the split with Hamilton, she hadn't returned,

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

Natalia's frown deepened.

recognized her instantly.

"What's going

lovebirds had a tiff but made up, so you're moving back in. Didn't

temple throbbed. "When did

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 up, no need for

find the nanny still there, who brightened at the

back!

Hamilton lounging with

was this man playing at? Clearly, he was waiting for

to the bedroom, only to find

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

"Like it? Surprise?"

from behind her. She

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

with

such gestures would have overjoyed

wanted none

he insisted on presenting them to

wrenched free from Hamilton's

time better seeking out a new flame. Surely that's more exciting than someone you've been with for so long,

you

his gaze. "A

eyes twitched, and in an instant, he had pinned her to the rose-covered

I'm a dog? Then

A dog in heat!

roaming, desperate

him,

Natalia gave him nothing

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

him, "I've lost

buy it. They had been

years, they had been