CHAPTER 22

Charlie Thompson strode into the gleaming glass doors of JFlier Group with smug satisfaction. It was a moment he had long awaited.

As he stepped into the CEO’s office, the reality of his new position hit him like a wave of exhilaration. He was now at the helm of the family’s prestigious company, a position he had coveted for years.

The office, previously Ralph’s domain, was spacious and luxurious, filled with reminders of the power and responsibility that came with the title. Charlie took his seat behind the large mahogany desk, leaning back in the plush leather chair. The room was silent except for the hum of the city outside the windows. It was a stark contrast to the chaos that had characterized his life until now. This was his chance to prove himself and show that he was more than the reckless twin brother!

Yet, in the back of his mind, Charlie knew that most of the properties, cars, and even estates that once belonged to Ralph were now under his control. He now had everything he wanted, and he intended to enjoy every moment of it.

Across town, at the headquarters of Johnson Associates, CEO Craig Johnson sat in his office with a slow smile spreading across his face as he read the latest news. Ralph Thompson, the competent and respected leader of JFlier Group, had been replaced by his wayward twin brother, Charlie. The implications were clear to Thomas: JFlier Group was on the brink of collapse, and Johnson Associates was poised to rise to the top.

For years, Johnson Associates had grown under the shadow of JFlier Group, largely because of Ralph’s leadership and business acumen. Ralph’s strategies and innovations had made JFlier Group a formidable competitor, one that Craig both respected and envied. But now, with Charlie at the helm, Craig saw an opportunity to dominate the market and solidify his company’s position as the most prestigious in Doxel City.

“Finally,” Craig muttered to himself, leaning back in his chair. “JFlier Group’s downfall is imminent. And Johnson Associates will take its place at the top.”

Craig remembered how hard it had been to compete against Ralph. His rival's ethical leadership, strategic brilliance, and the respect he commanded had always kept JFlier Group ahead. But Charlie was different. Known for his reckless behavior and lack of discipline, Charlie’s rise to CEO was nothing short of a disaster for JFlier Group.

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After the devastating meeting with his father, Jaden, who had cursed him and stripped him of his position, Ralph was determined to clear his name and rebuild his career.

He spent days meticulously crafting applications for several big companies in Doxel City. He knew his experience and achievements spoke for themselves, and he hoped that someone would recognize his potential despite the recent scandal.

But every application he sent out was met with silence. Weeks passed, and rejection letters began to pile up. It wasn’t until a friend in the industry discreetly informed him that his father had sent notices to all the major firms in the city, warning them against hiring Ralph.

Jaden’s influence and the power of his words were undeniable, branding Ralph as fraudulent and dubious in the eyes of potential employers.

The reality of his situation was crushing. Ralph’s reputation, meticulously built over years of hard work and dedication, had been tarnished by unsubstantiated claims. With no other options, Ralph decided to apply to smaller companies, hoping that his experience would overshadow the whispers of scandal that followed him.

One afternoon, Ralph found himself in a modest office building that housed Clark Mason Industry, a small but promising firm. He had applied for the position of manager, hoping that his extensive managerial experience would make a strong impression.

A few days later, Ralph received a call from Clark Mason Industry. To his surprise and relief, they invited him for an interview. On the day of the interview, Ralph walked into the office with a mixture of hope and anxiety. He was greeted by Mr. Clark, the owner of the company, a genial man with a warm smile.

“Mr. Thompson, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Mr. Clark said, shaking Ralph’s hand firmly. “I’ve gone through your resume, and I must say, your experience is impressive. We’re a growing company, and we need someone with your skills to help us expand.”

Ralph felt a glimmer of hope as the interview progressed. Mr. Clark seemed genuinely interested in his capabilities and didn’t bring up the recent controversy that had marred his career. By the end of the meeting, Ralph was offered the position of manager.

“We’re excited to have you on board, Ralph,” Mr. Clark said, handing him the employment contract. “I believe you’ll bring a lot of value to our team.”

Ralph signed the contract with a sense of relief and gratitude. Clark Mason Industry was nothing compared to JFlier Group, but it was a fresh start, an opportunity to prove himself once again.

He stepped out of the small office building of Clark Mason Industry, feeling a mixture of relief and determination. Despite the company’s modest size and revenue, which barely reached five million dollars monthly, he had found solace in his new role as assistant manager. It wasn’t the prestigious position he once held at JFlier Group, but it was a start.

As Ralph made his way out, he noticed a familiar figure approaching. The man’s sharp features and confident stride sparked a memory. It was Zen William, his university classmate. Zen had always envied Ralph’s wealth and status, constantly overshadowed by Ralph’s achievements and the Thompson family’s prominence.

Zen’s eyes lit up with a cruel satisfaction as he sneered, “What is this jerk doing in my company?”

Ralph was surprised. He had heard rumors that Zen had started his own company, but he hadn’t realized it was Clark Mason Industry. “Zen,” Ralph replied evenly, trying to keep his composure. “I work here now.”