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

nobody would

approach had surprised her, but his company had been

Jenkins, rest easy. I'm taken, loyal heart and

who he referred to

Caspian, realizing she wanted to

parting ways with Caspian, Natalia headed straight for her

the split with Hamilton, she hadn't returned, yet her

lease but didn't expect to find

Natalia's frown deepened.

her instantly. "Hello, Ms.

Natalia inquired, "What's going

"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

late actually. 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 exits." Natalia thanked Alba and left without another word, her heart pounding as she beelined for

surprised to find the nanny still there, who brightened at the

Jenkins, you're back! How are you

spotting Hamilton lounging

was this man playing at?

the bedroom,

filling the room with their scent. A massive cake

"Like it? Surprise?"

behind her. She

from behind. "Natalia,

heart ached with a mix of

such gestures would have

wanted none

insisted on

free from

new flame. Surely that's more exciting than someone you've

you take

met his gaze. "A

in an instant, he

I'm a dog? Then

A dog in heat!

her neck, hands roaming, desperate to

with him, everything would be back to

gave him

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

at him, "I've

it. They had been together for

they had been incredibly in