CHAPTER 15

Panic flashed across Mrs. Thompson's face. She had a secret affair with her husband's friend that resulted in a child that she had kept secret all this while. Only Charlie knew about it by coincidence. Mrs. Thompson was talking to her child's father over the phone one evening when Charlie overheard all their conversations.

Now, she couldn't afford for Charlie to expose her secrets!

Later that evening, with her heart heavy and her mind racing, Mrs. Thompson approached her husband in his study. Mr. Thompson was reviewing some documents, his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.

"Darling," she began softly, "I need to talk to you about something important."

Mr. Thompson looked up, sensing the urgency in her voice. "What is it, dear?"

She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I was thinking, perhaps it's not too late to reconsider your decision about the company. Maybe Charlie deserves a chance to lead JFlier Group."

Mr. Thompson's expression shifted from curiosity to shock. "Are you serious?" he asked, his voice rising. "You want to hand over the company to Charlie? He's proven time and again that he can't be trusted with responsibility. Aside from that, he's a rascal! He doesn't even have the qualifications or skills!"

Mrs. Thompson swallowed hard, her hands trembling. "I understand your concerns, but he is our son too. Maybe with the right guidance, he could surprise us."

Mr. Thompson's face turned red with anger. "I'm disappointed in you, Evelyn. How could you even suggest this? Our family's legacy is at stake, and you want to jeopardize it by giving it to the irresponsible one? Ralph has earned this through hard work and dedication. Charlie has done nothing but squander every opportunity he's been given."

Tears welled up in Mrs. Thompson's eyes. "Please, just consider it. For the sake of peace in the family."

Mr. Thompson slammed his fist on the desk, startling her. "No, Evelyn. This conversation is over. The decision stands. Ralph will take over JFlier Group, and that's final."

Mrs. Thompson left the study, her heart aching. She knew that her husband's decision was final, and now she had to face Charlie's wrath.

As she walked back to her room, Charlie was calling her phone, so she picked it up. Well?" he asked.

Mrs. Thompson shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "He won't change his mind, Charlie. I'm so sorry."

Charlie's face was twisted with anger. "You didn't try hard enough, did you? You care more about Ralph than me!"

"That's not true, Charlie. I love you both equally," she pleaded.

"Then do what is needed, or I'll expose you, Mum!" He said this as he ended the call.

Mrs. Thompson continued to make attempts. She took a deep breath.

"Ralph isn't as trustworthy as you think. Remember, he was arrested recently."

Mr. Thompson's face darkened. "What are you talking about?"

"It's true," she insisted. "And you know about it."

Mr. Thompson stared at her, disbelief and anger warring on his face. "And you think Charlie is the better option? He's proven time and again that he can't handle responsibility."

Mrs. Thompson's eyes filled with tears. "I know, but he's our son too. He deserves a chance."

Mr. Thompson slammed his fist on the desk. "No, Evelyn. Ralph will take over JFlier Group, and that's final. Charlie has to earn our trust, and blackmailing you isn't the way to do it."

Tears streaming down her face, Mrs. Thompson knew she had failed. She had tried to convince her husband, but he wasn't giving in.

She planned to take a radical step this time around!

Desperate to appease Charlie and protect her secret, she devised a plan that could temporarily remove Ralph from the picture, giving Charlie the chance to prove himself to their father.

Mrs. Thompson called Ralph’s personal assistant, James Carter, a young man known for his ambition and loyalty to Ralph. She knew this plan was dangerous and morally wrong, but her fear for her family’s reputation and her own desperation pushed her forward. She arranged a meeting with James under the guise of discussing Ralph’s schedule.

James arrived at the Thompson mansion that evening, surprised but curious about the sudden invitation. Mrs. Thompson led him into the library, closing the door behind them. She gestured for him to sit, her demeanor calm yet determined.

"James, thank you for coming on such short notice," she began, her voice steady.

"Of course, Mrs. Thompson. How can I assist you?" James replied, still unsure of the purpose of this meeting.

Mrs. Thompson took a deep breath, locking eyes with James. "I have a proposition for you, James. One that requires absolute discretion and loyalty."

James raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I'm listening."

She leaned in, her voice lowering. "I need you to ensure that Ralph is unable to work for a week. Specifically, I need you to slip a weakening tablet into his food. This will incapacitate him just enough to keep him home but not harm him permanently."

James's eyes widened in shock. "Mrs. Thompson, I don't understand. Why would you want to do that?"

Mrs. Thompson's expression hardened. "Because it's necessary, James. If you succeed, I will reward you with twenty million dollars. But you must never speak of this to anyone."

The enormity of the sum took James by surprise. He had always been ambitious, and the thought of twenty million dollars was life-changing. Yet he also knew the risks involved and the ethical implications. He hesitated, his mind racing.

"Twenty million dollars?" he echoed, trying to comprehend the magnitude of the offer.

"Yes," Mrs. Thompson confirmed. "But only if you can guarantee Ralph will be out of commission for a week. Do we have an agreement?"

James swallowed hard, weighing his options. The promise of such a vast amount of money was tempting—too tempting to resist. "I’ll do it," he said finally, his voice wavering with uncertainty.

Mrs. Thompson nodded, her relief masked by a cold determination. "Good. You know what to do."