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 didn't deny

once said, nobody would help another without

had surprised her, but his

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

knew exactly who he

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

ways with Caspian, Natalia headed straight

Hamilton, she hadn't returned,

lease but didn't expect to find her landlady, Alba,

Natalia's frown deepened.

recognized her instantly. "Hello,

inquired, "What's going on? Where are

smile was apologetic. "Your boyfriend's already picked them up. He said you two lovebirds had a tiff but made

throbbed. "When did he

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 dramatic

was surprised to find the nanny still there, who brightened

you're back! How are

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

was this man playing at? Clearly, he

she strode to the bedroom, only to find it

the room with their scent. A massive cake

"Like it? Surprise?"

came from behind her. She hadn't noticed him follow her

gently from

ached with

would have overjoyed her. But

wanted none of

on presenting them to

free from

that's more exciting

what do you

met his gaze.

eyes twitched, and in an instant, he

dog? Then I'll be

A dog in heat!

neck, hands roaming, desperate to

with him, everything would

gave him nothing in

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

at him, "I've lost all feelings

buy it. They had been together for

three years, they had been incredibly in sync in the