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

said, nobody would help another without

surprised her, but his company

I'm taken, loyal heart and

who he referred to

laughter sidestepped the implication, and Caspian, realizing she wanted

Natalia headed

hadn't returned, yet her belongings

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

Natalia's frown deepened.

instantly.

Natalia inquired, "What's going on? Where

was 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.

"When did

Jenkins, every couple has their squabbles. Just kiss and make up, no need for dramatic exits." Natalia thanked Alba and left without another word, her heart pounding as she beelined

was surprised to find the nanny still

Jenkins, you're back! How are you

Natalia replied, spotting Hamilton

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 side

"Like it? Surprise?"

behind her. She hadn't

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

heart ached with a mix of

gestures would have overjoyed

wanted none of

he insisted on

free from Hamilton's

flame. Surely that's more exciting than someone you've been with for so long,

what do you take

met his

instant, he had pinned her to the rose-covered

a dog?

A dog in heat!

hands roaming, desperate to

sleep with him, everything would be back to

gave him nothing in

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

"I've lost all

it. They had been together for three

years, they had been incredibly