CHAPTER 14

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows in Mr. Thompson's grand study, he heard his phone ring, and the caller ID displayed the police department's number, so he picked it up.

"Mr. Thompson," a stern voice on the other end of the line spoke, "this is Detective Anderson. I wanted to inform you that there have been some developments in your son's case."

Mr. Thompson's pulse quickened. He had been expecting updates, but each call brought a mixture of hope and apprehension.

"What kind of developments, Detective?" he asked, trying to steady his voice.

Detective Anderson cleared his throat before continuing, "We've uncovered new evidence that suggests there may be reasonable doubt regarding your son's involvement in the alleged crime. It's not definitive, but it's significant enough to consider granting bail."

Mr. Thompson's heart soared at the words. Bail—the possibility of his son's release. It was a glimmer of hope in the darkness that had enveloped their lives.

"What kind of evidence are we talking about, Detective?" he pressed.

The detective explained that a recent forensic analysis of the allegedly forged documents had revealed discrepancies in the timestamps.

Jaden's mind raced as he considered the implications of this revelation. It was a breakthrough, a crack in the seemingly insurmountable wall of evidence against his son.

"I see," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Detective. We'll cooperate fully with any further investigations."

The day of the bail hearing arrived, casting a sense of anticipation and nervousness over their family. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Sarah, their attorney, and Ralph gathered in the courtroom.

The courtroom was filled with an air of tension as the proceedings began. The prosecution argued for Ralph's continued detention, citing the seriousness of the charges against him and the potential flight risk.

However, after careful consideration, the judge rendered his decision. "In light of the new evidence presented," he declared, "this court finds that there is reasonable doubt as to the involvement of the defendant in the alleged crimes. Bail is granted."

A collective sigh of relief swept through the courtroom. Jaden's eyes welled up with tears as he realized that his son would be released. Sarah embraced Ralph, whose expression was a mixture of gratitude and disbelief.

Meanwhile, Charlie had concerns about Ralph's release, even though he wasn't in court. His face contorted with anger; he couldn't fathom how Ralph had managed to secure bail. He had expected that the case would lead Ralph to prison, so he was surprised at how he was easily granted bail.

Frustration and resentment welled up within him as he grabbed his phone and dialed the number he knew by heart—his mother's. She answered on the second ring, her voice soothing and familiar.

"Hello, Charlie, dear," his mother greeted him, unaware of the turmoil brewing within her son.

"Mum," Charlie began, his voice tense, "I can't believe it. Ralph has been released on bail."

His mother's tone softened as she sensed the anger in Charlie's voice. "Charlie, sweetheart, I know this has been a difficult time for all of us. But remember, everyone deserves a fair legal process, no matter the charges."

Charlie couldn't contain his frustration. "But, Mum, what he's accused of is huge! It's not fair that he gets to walk free when the evidence against him is so strong."

His mother sighed. "Charlie, it's not for us to decide his guilt or innocence. That's the role of the legal system. We must trust in the process, and we must remember that Ralph is your brother and our family."

"Well, I don't care, Mom. A criminal deserves the worst."

"What? Charlie, how would you call your brother a criminal? That's a wicked thing to say."

"But that's what he is, Mum. Well, I'm sorry. But I'm just scared."

"About what, Charlie?" Mrs. Thompson asked, surprised.

"Well, it's about JFlier Group. You know how much that company means to Ralph, and I'm worried that he's going to destroy it completely."

"Why will you think like that, Charlie?"

"Isn't it clear that he's leading that company nowhere if he could be involved in such a crime like this? Maybe Dad should take over the ownership of the company from him and hand it over to someone else. I'm afraid the company will crumble under his leadership."

Charlie's mother regarded him for a moment before responding. "Charlie, I think we should let Ralph handle this situation according to the law and his capabilities."

Charlie had expected some resistance to the idea, but his mother's response was firmer than he had anticipated. He sighed, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. "But Mom, I can't just stand by and watch the company fall apart. It's not just about Ralph; it's about all the employees and their livelihoods."

"I understand your concerns, Charlie, but we must trust in the legal process and in Ralph's ability to make the right decisions for the company. Taking over ownership prematurely could have legal consequences and further complicate matters."

"No, Mum. I'm sure I'll handle that company better than Ralph if I'm given a chance to. Why can't Dad just consider me?!"

"Charlie, that's enough. You don't have the experience Ralph has, and"

"Hey, Mum. Enough of that! Why do you and Dad love to make me feel less? Mum, I promise I'm going to expose your secret to Dad, and the whole world of you don't do everything possible to make sure that the ownership of that company is transferred from Ralph to me! Ralph must not return to that company as long as I'm alive!"

"Are you threatening me, Charlie? Why will you talk to me like that?" Mrs. Thompson couldn't believe that Charlie would go to the extent of threatening her. She knew how terrible Charlie was, but she found it hard to imagine that he was saying those words to her. Somehow, Charlie knew her secret, against her will, and she knew she had to do everything possible to stop him from exposing it.

"Now listen, Charlie. Don't do anything stupid. I assure you that JFlier Group will be transferred to you."