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 cto 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?" Natalia didn't nod, but she didn't deny it either.

Like Hamilton once said, nobody would help another without reason.

Caspian's initial approach had surprised her, but his company had been nothing but pleasant.

"Ms. Jenkins, rest easy. I'm taken, loyal heart and soul, unlike some." She knew exactly who he referred to with 'some'.

Her laughter sidestepped the implication, and Caspian, realizing she wanted to change the subject, began discussing the case details.

After parting ways with Caspian, Natalia headed straight for her rental.

Since the split with Hamilton, she hadn't returned, yet her belongings remained, including simportant documents.

She intended to pack up and cancel the lease but didn't expect to find her landlady, Alba, tidying up inside. Natalia's frown deepened.

Alba recognized her instantly. "Hello, Ms. Jenkins." With a furrowed brow, Natalia inquired, "What's going on? Where are my things?" Alba's smile 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. Didn't he tell you?" Natalia's temple throbbed. "When did he come?" "Last night, rather late actually. Cthrough 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 tic exits." Natalia thanked Alba and left without another word, her heart pounding as she beelined for the apartment.

Upon arrival, she was surprised to find the nanny still there, who brightened at the sight of her.

"Ms. Jenkins, you're back! How are you feeling?" "Much better, thank you," Natalia replied, spotting Hamilton lounging with a newspaper on the couch.

What was this man playing at? Clearly, he was waiting for her.

Ignoring him, she strode to the bedroom, only to find it transformed.

The bed was strewn with fresh rose petals, still dewy, filling the room with their scent. A massive cake sat on the side table.

"Like it? Surprise?" Hamilton's voice cfrom behind her. She hadn't noticed him follow her in.

He wrapped his arms around her gently from behind. "Natalia, all of this is for you." Her heart ached with a mix of emotion.

Once, such gestures would have overjoyed her. But now...

She wanted none of it.

Yet he insisted on presenting them to her.

Natalia wrenched free from Hamilton's embrace.

"Mr. Fowler, you might spend your tbetter seeking out a new flame. Surely that's more exciting than someone you've been with for so long, right?" Hamilton's face darkened.

"Natalia, what do you takefor?" She met his gaze. "A dog!" His eyes twitched, and in an instant, he had pinned her to the rose-covered bed.

"So, I'm a dog? Then I'll be one!" A dog in heat! He kissed her neck, hands roaming, desperate to ignite her passion.

If she'd just sleep with him, everything would be back to normal.

But Natalia gave him nothing in return.

Hamilton's brow furrowed slightly.

Natalia looked at him, "I've lost all feelings for you." Hamilton didn't buy it. They had been together for three years.

For three years, they had been incredibly in sync in the bedroom.

He knew every sensitive spot on Natalia's body.

All the moves he liked, Natalia liked too. She couldn't possibly be indifferent.

Just as he was gearing up to make another effort, Natalia abruptly sat up, tossing him aside.

"Hamilton, I don't think I ever told you, I never liked roses. Keep these roses om for your precious darling, not me!" With that, she grabbed a handful of rose petals and flung them at Hamilton. Then she stood up and walked towards the walk-in closet.

Her things, all meticulously placed by Hamilton, awaited her.

Natalia packed methodically, one item at a time.

Hamilton's face was a picture of frustration.

He had brought back her belongings last night and spent half the daym preparing the house, all to surprise her. But this was her reaction? No feelings for him? Hates roses? Hamilton let out a scoff.

"Natalia, what do I have to do for you to forgive me?" Natalia didn't even acknowledge him, continuing to pack.

After she finished, she went to the bedside table, retrieved her documents, and was about to close the drawer when she saw the box she had prepared for Hamilton's birthday. She paused, opened it and glanced inside.

The prayer beads were still there.

She lowered her lashes, then placed the box in her suitcase as well.

Once everything was packed, she finally looked at Hamilton.

"Mr. Fowler, I hope you will refrain from tampering with others' belongings in the future." With that, she pulled her suitcase and headed for the door.

Hamilton quickly grabbed her wrist.

"Is it if I draw the line with Eveleen, you'd consider coming back?"