Chapter 145 Chapter 145
The night was quiet, but Mr. Ben could not sleep. He turned from one side of the bed to the other, sweating even though the fan was on. His wife, Mama Grace, lay beside him, weak and coughing softly. The sound broke his heart each time.
He sat up and rubbed his head. Clara’s voice kept ringing in his mind — “You’ll just be my eyes and ears.”
He looked at the money on the table — so much of it, wrapped neatly in bands. He had never held that much in his entire life. It could pay his rent, buy his wife’s drugs, and even feed them for months. But deep down, he knew the money was dirty.
Mama Grace turned to him slowly. “Ben… why are you not sleeping?” she asked weakly.
He sighed and forced a smile. “Nothing, my dear. Just thinking.”
She coughed again. “You’re thinking too much. I know that face. Something is wrong.”
Ben didn’t answer right away. He reached for a glass of water and handed it to her. “Drink, my dear. Don’t worry about me.”
But she was not fooled. “Ben, talk to me. You’ve worked for that young man for years. You’ve never come home looking like this. What happened?”
He swallowed hard. “A woman came to me today. She offered me money to… to tell her things about my boss.”
Mama Grace’s eyes widened. “What? Ben, don’t do that! That’s wrong. You know Mr. Adrian treats you like family.”
Ben looked down at his hands. “I know, Grace. But look at us. You’re sick. We owe rent. This money can help us. I didn’t want to take it, but…”
“But you did,” she said quietly.
He nodded slowly. “I did. But now I regret it.”
Mama Grace reached for his hand and held it tight. “Ben, money gotten the wrong way never brings peace. Promise me you won’t hurt that good man. Promise me.”
Ben’s eyes filled with tears. “I promise. I’ll find a way to return it. I just need to think of how.”
\---
The next morning, the mansion was bright and alive. Birds sang in the garden as Ben arrived early, holding his tools. He moved slower than usual, his heart heavy. Every time he saw Savannah or Adrian through the window, guilt burned inside him.
Savannah waved at him with a gentle smile while carrying Liam in her arms. “Good morning, Mr. Ben!” she called out.
He forced a smile back. “Good morning, madam.”
Liam laughed and pointed at him. “Uncle Ben!”
The sound of the child’s innocent voice made Ben’s heart ache even more. How could I betray such a good family? he thought.
Adrian came out not long after, wearing a casual shirt. “Ben, you’ve been doing a great job with the flowers. The garden looks beautiful.”
Ben bowed his head slightly. “Thank you, sir. I’m glad you like it.”
Adrian smiled and handed him a small envelope. “Take this. It’s a bonus. You’ve earned it.”
Ben froze. “Sir, you don’t need to—”
Adrian shook his head. “No, no. You deserve it. You’re loyal and hardworking.”
Ben’s hands trembled as he took the envelope. He could feel his eyes stinging with tears. “Thank you, sir. God bless you, sir.”
Adrian patted him on the shoulder and went back inside.
Ben stood there for a long time, staring at the envelope. Inside was more money — clean money, earned with honesty. He suddenly hated the dirty bundle Clara gave him.
He whispered, “This is what real blessing feels like.”
\---
Later that day, Clara called. Her voice came through the phone, cold and demanding. “Mr. Ben, I’m waiting for updates. Have you seen or heard anything useful yet?”
Ben hesitated. “No, ma’am. Everything is quiet. They are just fine.”
Clara’s voice sharpened. “Then look closer. I’m paying you, remember?”
“I told you, ma’am,” Ben said quietly, “I don’t want any trouble.”
“You already took my money. If you back out now, I’ll make sure you regret it,” she hissed.
Ben’s heart dropped. “Please, don’t threaten me. I’ll… I’ll try.”
Clara smiled from her end. “Good. Keep me informed. And remember, if you tell anyone, you’ll lose more than your job.”
She hung up, leaving Ben shaking with fear.
He looked toward the mansion again, where Savannah was laughing with Liam on the balcony. Her laughter sounded so soft, so peaceful.
He wiped his eyes and whispered, “I’m sorry, madam. I will never let that evil woman hurt you.”
He walked back into the garden, holding the phone in one hand — but this time, he had made a decision.
If Clara called again, he would record her. He would protect the family that had shown him nothing but kindness.
For the first time that day, he felt a small spark of courage in his heart.
The fight had just begun.