Chapter 5

During the studio's debriefing meeting, Mr. Davies specifically praised Harper, saying her collaborative photography series with Liam had garnered a sensational response on social media, bringing in numerous new clients and commercial partnerships for the studio.

Then, his tone shifted, and he gave me a meaningful glance before announcing a team restructuring. A flicker of subtle triumph crossed Harper's face, and an ominous feeling immediately rose in my heart.

Sure enough, Mr. Davies continued, "Chloe, you've contributed a lot to the studio these past two years; everyone sees that. However…"

"Considering you need time to recover from your previous car accident, we've decided not to assign you to the core shooting projects for the next season for now."

"Harper will take over as Lead Photographer, and she'll be leading several important commercial projects."

"You're a veteran here, Chloe, so I won't treat you unfairly. During your recovery, you can assist the team with post-production photo selection and material organization."

Relegating a Lead Photographer who had just won a national award to an administrative role was nothing short of a demotion in disguise.

I couldn't help but offer a bitter smile. "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Davies, but I joined this studio to create and shoot. If I can no longer hold a camera, I choose to leave."

Ignoring his frozen expression, I stood up and walked straight out of the conference room.

Liam, waiting by the door, looked utterly stunned.

Just as he was about to speak, Harper followed me out, her voice laced with provocation.

"Chloe, why be so stubborn? If you're willing to talk nicely, I might be able to put in a good word with Mr. Davies to let you stay and participate in some minor shoots."

She briefly explained the decision to Liam.

Liam frowned, trying to persuade me. "Don't be impulsive. Where will you go to develop your career if you leave here? Doing post-production isn't so bad; at least it's stable, and you'll have more time…"

I cut him off with a cold laugh. "No need."

I continued walking out, with Liam and Harper still following behind, attempting to dissuade me.

Liam, especially, kept insisting that I should humble myself to Harper.

Just then, an out-of-control car swerved violently towards us.

Without a second thought, Liam shoved Harper out of the way, shouting, "Harper, watch out!"

I, however, couldn't react in time, was struck by the car, and thrown several feet, hitting the ground hard. Intense pain instantly spread through me, and my vision began to blur.

"Chloe!" Liam's face went white as he rushed toward me.

But I no longer had the strength to respond and finally lost consciousness.

When I next awoke, I was lying in a hospital bed.

Liam was sitting by my bedside. Seeing my eyes open, he immediately leaned closer. "You're awake?! You were unconscious for three whole days… When the car came at us, why didn't you dodge?"

He babbled on, trying to help me sit up, but I instinctively flinched away from his touch.

Liam paused. "Are you… still angry at me?" He quickly explained, "I'm sorry, the situation was so sudden, I just instinctively…"

He trailed off mid-sentence, his gaze darting away.

I merely responded calmly, "I understand. You just instinctively protected her. You don't need to explain."

In that moment, his primal instinct had been to choose Harper. That said it all.

My heart felt like a still, cold pond, too numb even for disappointment.

Liam tried to say something else, but a phone call interrupted him.