Chapter 259: Shifting the Blame

Nathael's declaration sent shockwaves through the crowd, leaving Ronald momentarily stunned. He quickly recovered, a fleeting smile replaced by a solemn expression. The crowd's attention shifted to Nathael and Maggie as the implications of his words sank in. This man, the heir to the Harrises, had kept his personal life private for years; no one had ever heard him speak of a romantic partner. What were they witnessing? Many in the crowd had never imagined seeing Nathael publicly declare his affection. The unbelievable declaration left some doubting their ears.

While some considered the immediate fallout, others pondered the long-term consequences. Maggie's devoted service to the Camerons was well-known, despite her having been adopted from an orphanage. The Camerons had been in a precarious position at the time. The newly revealed connection between Maggie and Nathael led some to speculate on a revival of Luster Corporation.

Beth was momentarily dazed by Nathael's proclamation. His words, "I love Maggie; she's the only one I've ever loved," replayed in her mind, a deafening echo. Despite her efforts to maintain composure, tears welled up.

How could he do this to me? she thought. How could someone like him be interested in Maggie? Why? Isn't Maggie scheming, manipulative, vain, and power-hungry? Her voice felt trapped in her throat. Had Nathael chosen a woman clearly superior to her, Beth might have accepted defeat gracefully. But did this woman truly care for him? The world felt absurd. He had publicly declared his love, trampling on her dignity.

"Nathael," Beth's voice trembled. She forced a smile, but her unwillingness to accept her fate was evident. "Do you truly love her?"

Nathael, clearly impatient, ignored her. Beth sneered, "I don't believe it."

He showed no interest in prolonging the conversation. Glancing at a distressed waiter, he asked coldly, "Since you accuse Beth, do you have evidence?"

The crowd's attention returned to the present. Ben, initially puzzled, quickly regained his composure. "I have a recording of her driver making the deal, and the convenience store's surveillance footage!"

He had been working at the convenience store when Beth's burly driver in black approached him with an offer he couldn't refuse. After hearing the proposition, he glanced outside. Beth sat in the back seat, the window slightly lowered, revealing a beautiful profile. Once she realized he knew her identity, she rolled up the window with detached elegance.

He knew it was wrong, but he was desperate. To avoid jail, he'd kept evidence and recorded parts of their conversation. He'd been astonished by the hefty price—150,000 dollars—for such a seemingly trivial matter. He reasoned that, should things go wrong, he could use the evidence to bargain for his safety. Years of hardship had taught him the fickleness of human relationships and the limitless capabilities of the wealthy. At worst, even if they refused to protect him, he could use the evidence to buy time until his mother's surgery.

He produced his phone and played a recording:

"Are you the waiter for Mr. Clocke's party the day after tomorrow?" a rough male voice asked.

"Who are you?"

"Let's strike a deal. Keep an eye on Maggie Adam. You'll receive $75,000 upfront and another $75,000 upon completion."

Ben's heart raced, but he asked, "Keep an eye on her for what? You don't get paid that much just for watching someone."

"You'll do whatever my miss tells you," the driver replied.

Ben hesitated, but the check before him was tempting.

"Will it cost a life?" he asked. He wasn't a killer.

"Not to that extent, but life and death are in the hands of fate. Will you do it, or shall we find someone else?" the driver replied impatiently.

Ben agreed. If not him, someone else would do it. Those with power always got their way.

Ben then played the convenience store video. Someone in the crowd recognized the driver: "I've seen that man! He's Ms. Bray's driver and bodyguard!"

"Who would have thought Beth could be so malicious? If Maggie had fallen, she could have been seriously injured!"

"Exactly! That's malicious, especially for someone from a distinguished family."

"I've heard rumors about the Brays trying to arrange a marriage with the Harrises, but it seems Ms. Bray might have become jealous and resented Ms. Adam."

"I personally think Ms. Adam and Mr. Harris make a better match. I've heard Ms. Adam's musical piece; it was quite sensational. She certainly carries herself like a lady from a noble family."

Murmurs filled the air, harsh words directed at Beth. While angry and embarrassed, she remained composed. A woman of her upbringing knew how to handle such situations.

"Arnold, come out here! What is all this about?" Beth called coldly, summoning her driver/bodyguard.

A mocking glint shone in Maggie's eyes as Beth attempted to shift the blame, though Maggie was powerless to stop it. Ultimately, the Brays' loyal bodyguard would take the fall.

Beth maintained her poised image, even though the truth was out. The bodyguard stepped forward, bowing his head. "I'm sorry, Ms. Bray. I saw Ms. Adam seducing Mr. Harris and acted impulsively. I'm willing to accept punishment!"

His cleverness eased Beth's expression slightly. "You told me that day you were making a stop to shop," she scolded, disbelief in her voice. "I never imagined you would plot to hurt Ms. Adam! This is preposterous! Do laws mean nothing to you?"