CHAPTER 16

One crisp autumn evening, Nina went into labor. Ralph, filled with a mix of anxiety and exhilaration, rushed her to the hospital. The hours passed slowly, each moment filled with anticipation. Finally, the sound of a newborn's cry filled the delivery room, and the doctor announced the arrival of a healthy baby boy.

Ralph's heart swelled with joy as he held his son for the first time. The baby’s tiny fingers wrapped around his, and in that moment, Ralph felt an overwhelming sense of love and responsibility. He looked at Nina, her face glowing with happiness despite the exhaustion, and whispered, "We did it, Nina. We have a son."

News of the baby's birth quickly spread through the family. Jaden Thompson, Ralph and Charlie’s father, was overjoyed. He had always been a pillar of strength and wisdom in the family, and the birth of his grandson brought him immense pride and happiness.

A few days later, a grand naming ceremony was organized to celebrate the arrival of the newest Thompson. The Thompson mansion was adorned with flowers and decorations, reflecting the joy and significance of the occasion. Family and friends gathered, filling the house with laughter and excitement.

As guests mingled, Ralph and Nina proudly introduced their baby boy to everyone. The air was filled with congratulatory wishes and the sounds of children playing in the garden. Charlie, standing with a group of friends, watched the scene with a mix of pride and a tinge of envy. He knew that the arrival of Ralph's son marked a new chapter in the family's legacy.

The time came for the naming ceremony. The family and guests gathered in the large living room, where a beautifully decorated cradle was placed at the center. Jaden Thompson stood next to the cradle, his face beaming with pride.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Jaden began, his voice strong and filled with emotion. "Today, we celebrate the arrival of a new member of the Thompson family. It brings me great joy to introduce my grandson, Gordon Thompson."

Applause erupted as Ralph and Nina placed baby Gordon in the cradle. Jaden continued, "This is a special moment for our family, and I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and share some exciting news."

The room fell silent, everyone eager to hear what Jaden had to say. "In honor of Gordon's birth, I have decided to transfer two major properties of the Thompson family to Ralph," Jaden announced, his eyes twinkling with pride. "The first is the Lakeside Estate, a symbol of our family's heritage and a place where many cherished memories were made."

Gasps of surprise and murmurs of approval filled the room. The Lakeside Estate was a sprawling property with a beautiful mansion, surrounded by lush gardens and a serene lake. It had been in the family for generations and was a place of great sentimental value.

"The second property," Jaden continued, "is the Thompson Tower, our flagship commercial building in the heart of the city. This building represents our family's entrepreneurial spirit and success."

Applause and cheers erupted once again. The Thompson Tower was not only a significant investment but also a symbol of the family's business acumen and achievements. Transferring these properties to Ralph was a testament to Jaden's confidence in his son's ability to carry forward the family's legacy.

Ralph stood, overcome with emotion. "Thank you, Father," he said, his voice choked with gratitude. "I am honored and humbled by this gesture. I promise to uphold the values and responsibilities that come with these properties."
Jaden smiled warmly. "I have no doubt you will, Ralph. And I am confident that Gordon will grow up in a family that cherishes its heritage and continues to strive for excellence."

Meanwhile, Charlie, Ralph's twin brother, had not joined the festivities. Instead, he watched the ceremony from his house on the Internet, with a mix of envy and bitterness gnawing at him. The grandeur of the event, the family's pride, and the affection showered on Ralph and his newborn son fueled Charlie's resentment.

The subsequent transfer of significant family assets to Ralph after the birth of Gordon felt like the final blow, cementing Charlie's sense of exclusion and failure.

As the ceremony continued, Charlie's emotions reached a boiling point. He could no longer sit idly by, watching his brother bask in the family's approval. He needed to act!

Just as Nina stepped out of the bustling living room to take a breath and tend to Gordon in a quieter room, her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID, and her heart sank when she saw Charlie's name. Hesitant, she answered.

"Hello?" she said cautiously.

Charlie’s voice came through the line, dripping with sarcasm. "Well, well, well. Congratulations on the golden child, Nina. Quite the spectacle down there, isn't it?"

Nina’s heart raced, sensing the malice in his tone. "Charlie, what do you want?"

He laughed with a harsh, bitter sound. "What do I want? Oh, I just wanted to remind you that Gordon is mine. You see, I'm coming for what's mine. I’m coming for my precious little Gordon."

Nina felt a chill run down her spine. "Charlie, please," she pleaded, her voice trembling. "This is not the way to handle things. Gordon is just a baby. Don’t do anything rash."

But Charlie ignored her, his laughter turning cold and menacing. "Begging already? That's new. But it won't change anything. I'll get what I deserve, one way or another!"

Before Nina could respond, Charlie hung up. She stood there, phone in hand, with her mind racing with fear and desperation. She knew Charlie was unpredictable, and his threat felt too real.
**********
Ralph was seated at the breakfast table, ready to tackle another busy day at JFlier Group, when James, his assistant, prepared his breakfast, which was a hearty meal of scrambled eggs, toast, and a fresh fruit salad.

James had been restless all night, contemplating the task Mrs. Thompson had pressured him into. Twenty million dollars was a staggering amount, but the moral implications of poisoning Ralph weighed heavily on him. Despite his reservations, the promise of that fortune ultimately swayed him.

James entered the kitchen early, ensuring he had time to execute the plan. With shaking hands, he slipped a weakening tablet into Ralph’s orange juice, watching it dissolve without a trace. He arranged the meal on a tray, trying to steady his nerves as he carried it to Ralph’s table.