CHAPTER 21

Tears welled up in Nina’s eyes as the reality of their situation hit her. “Evicted? Where are we supposed to go? What about all our things?”

“They’ve taken everything that belongs to the company,” Ralph said, his own voice choked with emotion. “Our cars, my office, everything. I tried calling Dad, but he’s not answering. I'm going to go and see him, Nina. I don’t know how this happened.”

Nina’s tears began to flow freely, her sobs breaking the stillness of the evening. “This can’t be happening,” she cried. “We’ve worked so hard for everything. How could they just take it all away?”

Ralph wrapped his arms around her, comforting Nina as she clutched her baby in her arms. “I’m so sorry, Nina. I never saw this coming. But I promise you, I’ll find out who did this. I’ll clear my name, and we’ll get through this. Somehow.”

The next morning, Sauna paced nervously in the living room of the Tonis family mansion. She planned to travel back to Doxel City that very day. While her mind raced with several thoughts, she heard the sound of footsteps behind her. It was her sister, Laura, approaching.

“Everything’s been taken care of. Ralph has been evicted,” Laura announced.

Sauna's immediate reaction was one of relief. "Are you sure about what you're saying?" Sauna asked. "Trust me. And well, you can even call Charlie to find out," Laura replied.

Sauna was dazed, wondering how Laura had been able to achieve this. Now, she had fulfilled Charlie's demand, securing her own secrets and protecting her precarious position. Yet beneath that relief lay a deep sadness. Ralph didn’t deserve this. He had always been the responsible one, the pillar of integrity in the family.

The thought of him losing everything, especially when he was innocent, gnawed at her conscience. But the fear of her secrets being exposed—secrets that could dismantle her entire life and bring shame upon her family—was a powerful motivator. She knew she couldn't afford to let her guard down.

Back in Doxel City, Charlie received the news with unrestrained glee. His informant had relayed that Ralph was officially out, and the path was clear for him to take over as CEO of JFlier Group. Charlie, surrounded by his friends, let out a triumphant laugh that echoed through the room.

“Finally!” he exclaimed, raising his glass in a toast. “The throne is mine. That bastard has been brought down, and now it’s my time to shine.”

His friends cheered, clinking their glasses with his. The room buzzed with excitement as Charlie’s long-awaited dream of ousting Ralph and claiming his position at the head of the company seemed within reach.

“I’ve waited so long for this moment,” Charlie continued, his eyes glinting with malicious delight. “That fool, Ralph, always acted like he was better than me, but now look at him. Homeless, jobless. This is just the beginning. I won’t stop until he’s completely destroyed! I'll make him lose everything!”

His friends roared in approval, their voices mingling with the clinking of glasses and the hum of celebratory music. Charlie’s heart swelled with pride and vindication. He had orchestrated this downfall meticulously, and now he was on the cusp of achieving everything he had ever wanted.

The next morning, Ralph woke up with a renewed determination. They had spent the night in a motel. Despite the accusations, he knew he was innocent, and he had to prove it to the one person who mattered most—his father, Jaden Thompson.

Nina, sensing his resolve, gently placed a hand on his shoulder as he prepared to leave. “Are you sure about this?” she asked, her voice laced with concern. “Your father is very angry. What if he refuses to listen?”

“I have to try,” Ralph replied, his eyes filled with steely determination. “I need to clear my name and make him see the truth. I can’t let these lies destroy everything we’ve built.”

Ralph kissed Nina and her baby, Gordon, before heading out. The journey to the Thompson family mansion felt longer than usual. When he finally arrived, he took a deep breath and approached the grand entrance of the Thompson family estate.

As Ralph stepped inside, the familiar opulence of the house felt cold and unwelcoming. The servants, usually warm and respectful, avoided his gaze, their expressions hinting at the scandal that had rocked the household. Ralph, unperturbed, pressed on and made his way to his father’s study.

Jaden Thompson was sitting behind his massive oak desk, his face a mask of fury. The moment he saw Ralph, his eyes blazed with anger.

“You dare show your face here?” Jaden spat, rising from his chair. “You reckless, ungrateful son! Turning my hard-earned sweat into nothing by embezzling the company’s funds? And are you even planning to sell it? How could you, Ralph?”

Ralph stood his ground, though his heart ached at his father’s words. “Dad, I swear, I didn’t do any of those things. I’ve been set up. Please, you have to believe me.”

Jaden’s face twisted with rage. “Believe you? After all the evidence that’s been presented,? You’re nothing but a pretender, Ralph. Full of evil and deceit! You’ve brought shame upon this family.”

Ralph’s voice trembled with emotion. “Dad, please listen to me. I’ve always been loyal to you and the company. Someone is framing me. I need time to prove my innocence.”

But Jaden turned a deaf ear to Ralph’s pleas. “Get out of my sight,” he growled. “You’re no longer my son. You’re a disgrace!”

Each word was like a dagger to Ralph’s heart. He had hoped to find understanding and support, but all he received was rejection and scorn. Ralph left his father’s house, disappointed.

Returning to Nina and Gordon, Ralph felt a mix of despair and determination. They had to move on and start over. Their current situation, staying in a modest motel, was unsustainable. They needed a stable home and a new beginning. Ralph decided it was time to find a smaller apartment where they could rebuild their lives.

With Nina’s support, they found a cozy but modest apartment on the outskirts of the city. It was a far cry from the luxurious lifestyle they had once enjoyed, but it was a start. The apartment had two small bedrooms, a modest living area, and a kitchen. It wasn’t much, but it was theirs—a place where they could begin to heal and move forward.

As they settled into their new home, Ralph made a promise to Nina and her baby. “I’m going to apply to one of the leading companies in Doxel City,” he said, determination etched into his features. “We’re going to bounce back from this. I promise you, Nina, we’ll get through this together.”