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?"

but she didn't

Hamilton once said, nobody would help

surprised her, but his company had been nothing

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

he referred to

laughter sidestepped the implication, and Caspian, realizing she wanted

parting ways with Caspian, Natalia headed straight for her

with Hamilton, she hadn't returned, yet

up and cancel the lease but didn't expect

Natalia's frown deepened.

recognized her instantly. "Hello,

Natalia inquired, "What's going on? Where are

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.

temple throbbed. "When

boyfriend looked quite upset, so I didn't dare question him. Ms. Jenkins, every couple has their squabbles. Just kiss and make up,

arrival, she was surprised to find the nanny still

you're back! How are you

you," Natalia replied, spotting Hamilton

at? Clearly,

strode to the bedroom, only to find

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

"Like it? Surprise?"

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

wrapped his arms around her gently from behind. "Natalia, all of this is

ached with

such gestures would have

wanted none

he insisted on presenting

wrenched free from Hamilton's

seeking out a new flame. Surely that's more exciting than someone you've been with

do you take

his gaze.

an instant, he had

dog? Then

A dog in heat!

roaming, desperate to ignite her

just sleep with him, everything

him nothing

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

looked at him, "I've lost

didn't buy it. They had been together for

they had been