Chapter 3

With that, Lily slammed the door and left.

Harvey curled his lip.

"I bought an online photography course for $1.98. I improved so much today, but clients these days have no taste."

Then he looked at me and ordered, "Joe, why don't you edit these photos?"

I didn't even look up. I drew out my reply.

"I'm just the guy who does odd jobs. How would I know how to edit photos?"

Harvey was furious, but there was nothing he could do.

I went to work as usual the next morning.

A crowd had gathered outside the company. Seven or eight young men and women stood there, some filming with their phones.

"Joe Archer's here!"

"He's the one who took those photos of Lily! He even leaked a private video of her. What a scumbag!"

"Expose him! Ruin his reputation!"

As the crowd shouted, a young man with dyed blond hair rushed forward and punched me in the face without warning.

"So you’re Joe Archer? What the hell were those photos? Were you trying to make Lily look bad?"

I staggered back a step. Before I could explain, Harvey appeared from behind the crowd and grabbed the blond man's arm with a look of pained concern.

"Hey, don't hit him! Let's talk this out!"

He turned to me and gave me an insistent look.

"Joe, these fans just care about their favorite creator. Apologize, and we can put this behind us!"

I wiped blood from the corner of my mouth and sneered.

"Harvey, what are you trying to pin on me this time?"

The blond man pulled out his phone and shoved it in my face.

"Quit pretending. Did you do this or not?"

The screen showed a post Lily made the night before, exposing the photography company.

It had attracted plenty of attention. Apparently, Lily was a well-known influencer.

But farther down was another post.

An anonymous account had uploaded hidden-camera footage of Lily changing in a dressing room.

The caption read: "You exposed me, so don't blame me for fighting back."

My eyes widened, and I said firmly, "I didn't take Miss Lawson's portraits, and I didn't post that video."

The blond man sneered.

"Still denying it? Your company already put out a statement."

"I heard you've made a bit of a name for yourself in photography. So, this is the kind of person you are."

Harvey sighed beside him.

"Joe, stop denying it."

I took out my phone.

The company's social media account had posted a statement the night before.

"Regarding Miss Lawson's unpleasant experience at our studio, our investigation found that our former photographer, Mr. Joe Archer, deliberately retaliated against the client over a salary adjustment and leaked a private video of her."

"Mr. Archer has been suspended, and we have reported the matter to the police. We sincerely apologize for the harm caused to Miss Lawson and will accept full legal responsibility."

The comments were full of praise.

"At least this company is taking responsibility."

"Arrest that creep already!"

"Good. Call the police!"

I looked at the statement and smiled.

Harvey leaned close and lowered his voice.

"Joe, don't blame me. Someone had to take the fall. If it's you, I can keep my job. Don't worry. Once this blows over, I'll help you find work somewhere else..."

I didn't argue with them. I pushed through the crowd and headed straight for the office.

Desmond sat behind his desk with his legs crossed, smiling as if he couldn't be happier.

I opened the door and got straight to the point.

"Mr. Quinn, Harvey's only been here a few days, and this has already happened. Do you think blaming everything on me will keep the company out of it?"

"Once people hear that a female client was secretly filmed here, our reputation will be ruined anyway. Who will dare come to us?"

Desmond always cared about making money, so I expected that to get a reaction.

But he merely set down his teacup and smiled even wider.

"Let it be ruined."

He rose, came around the desk, and patted my shoulder.

"You haven't heard? The son of the country's richest man wants to buy my little company. Once I sign the contract tomorrow and get my money, I won't care whether this place makes a profit or what people think of it."