Chapter 257: Conquer Ben's Mind

Maggie smiled and added, "There could be numerous reasons—for instance, your family is poor and you saw this as an opportunity to extort money, or perhaps someone instructed you to frame and defame me, or maybe you harbor some unsightly secret that I unfortunately uncovered."

"Which of these doesn't point to a potential slander against me?"

Ben stared blankly at Maggie. The woman's beauty radiated—a brilliance amplified by the dazzling lights. She seemed to glow like a moon or a delicate dusk-blooming flower, exuding a faint, alluring fragrance despite her austere demeanor.

Meeting his gaze, Maggie said, "Or there's another possibility. You tried to push me down the stairs, but I sidestepped, and you fell after missing your target."

Her words caused an immediate stir in the crowd.

"Indeed, if that were the case, one would fall in such a manner. This explanation makes sense," someone agreed.

"If it's true, then he's merely reaped what he sowed."

"That's right. I had thought of this possibility before. When he fell, I saw Ms. Adams supporting herself against the railing. Had she just pushed someone, she wouldn't be in that position."

The crowd buzzed with varying opinions. Because of Ben's previous deceit, they were inclined to believe Maggie. Now that she had spoken, everyone considered this possibility more likely.

A flash of resentment flickered in Ben's eyes. He retorted in frustration, "People like you have power and influence, while I'm merely a commoner who cannot afford to offend you. But since you've made such claims, you must provide evidence, or else I can accuse you of defamation."

Maggie smiled slightly and replied coldly, "It's quite simple. We will check your recent bank transactions."

Beth had manipulated Ben, she was certain. That woman wouldn't do the dirty work herself unless pushed to the brink. However, that didn't mean she wouldn't pay someone to do it. Surely, this was bought by her; otherwise, why would he target her for no reason? She couldn't believe in such a coincidence; her rejection of Beth's offer was immediately followed by this assassination attempt.

Predictably, at the mention of the investigation, Ben's face paled.

"Manager, please call the police; the truth will come out once his bank account is investigated."

"There's no need for that; Alex has already brought the information," Nathael interjected firmly.

Alex stepped forward swiftly and presented the documents to Nathael. He then turned to Ben and…

Your mother's medical expenses forced you to drop out of a prestigious university, despite your good academic prospects and acceptance.

"And now, your mother's life is hanging by a thread. She's in dire need of extensive surgery, hence your exhaustion from holding down several jobs."

Alex slowly narrated Ben's life story to the crowd.

"However, three days ago, you received a significant deposit of $75,000 into your bank account. Could you explain the source of this money?" Alex's voice was icy.

Many took the documents Alex passed around, which clearly showed Ben's bank account and transaction history. Among multiple small transactions, one huge amount stood out conspicuously.

Maggie stared coldly at Ben and said, "It's a noble act to want to save your mother, but saving her shouldn't be built on the slander and harm of another."

Ben's mouth opened and closed as if he wanted to explain, but he knew no explanation could justify such a sum of money; a person like him could never earn that much.

"Did you ever consider that if I had actually fallen today, you would be in jail? And if you were in jail, who would take care of your mother?" Maggie spoke slowly, each word cutting deep. "Would she accept that money as medical fees if she knew what you did? I think she would prefer to sacrifice her life to correct your mistake, rather than accept the money."

Maggie's words struck hard, dismantling Ben's last psychological defenses. Covering his face, he burst into tears. He acknowledged, "You're right. I was paid by someone. I'm tired; even working three jobs, I couldn't afford my mother's medical bills! I can't just watch her die!" Her illness was curable, but poverty had worsened it beyond delay.

How could he accept that?

"My father died early. All these years, it was my mother who struggled to raise me. She's the only family I have left. I can't just watch her die. I must save her!" Tears filled Ben's eyes as he spoke with a self-mocking smile.

Maggie kept her gaze fixed on him and demanded slowly, "Tell us who instructed you to harm me. I will forgive and forget. I'll provide your mother with the best doctor and cover all of her medical expenses." Beth stood among the crowd, her expression paling. The incident was her fault; she had sent the driver, but she was in the car at the time. Ben had seen her face from a distance, as he was to act on her cue that day.

"Speak! Who gave you the orders? My daughter has always been gentle and kind; who could have harmed her with such malice?" Ronald raised his voice angrily. He had never anticipated that someone would go so far as to harm Maggie at a party. At this point, Maggie couldn't suffer any harm; he doubted Nathael would have the patience to wait for her recovery if she were injured.

Ben, however, remained silent.

"So, you're willing to commit the wicked deed but refuse to right the wrong? Your sense of loyalty is quite ironic," Maggie taunted, her eyes sparkling with undisguised contempt. Everyone faced their own struggles. Ben had his difficulties, but were they any greater than hers or Nathael's? No matter how difficult life became, one could never justify seeking happiness at the expense of others. It was the same for Vanessa, Beth, and the Camerons. If everyone behaved this way, the world would become a cold, distrustful place, devoid of warmth.

Ben lowered his gaze and spoke slowly, "I received payment to cause misfortune for others. I've already done something wrong. I can't betray my employer." Maggie chuckled, finding his words absurd.

Nathael regarded Ben with a cold stare and asked, "Do you honestly believe that by showing such loyalty to the culprit, they'll fulfill their end of the bargain and save your mother?" Ben paused. His gaze shifted inadvertently towards Nathael, a flicker of panic in his eyes. How could this man see through his thoughts so clearly?

(The final line "Send Gifts 70" appears unrelated and should be removed.)