Chapter 4

"Why didn't you tell us about the old man's condition beforehand? Were you trying to get Chloe killed?" Jacob demanded.

I met his furious gaze. "The handover documents were sent to your email yesterday. They clearly warned in red that under no circumstances were we to bring up the man's grief over losing his family."

Jacob froze for a moment.

Behind him, Chloe tugged at his sleeve, her eyes red. "Jacob, I didn't see any documents. I just wanted to show the audience the most authentic side of what was happening."

Jacob immediately clasped her hand. Then he turned on me.

"Stop trying to shift the blame!" he yelled. "You were pissed because I took you off this investigation, so you deliberately set us up to fail, didn't you? Lena, when did you become so selfish? So unreasonable?"

He didn't care about my feelings at all. He berated me in front of everyone without a second thought.

I looked at him and almost laughed. "Jacob, you didn't even read the email before bringing her here to take credit for my work. And now that something's gone wrong, you expect me to take the fall?"

I'd clearly struck a nerve. Jacob's face turned livid.

"Get back to the station. Now!"

I ignored him and went to help the medical workers calm the old man's family.

Once the crowd had dispersed, I crouched down and handed out the candy I'd originally brought for the children affected by the disaster.

Jacob walked over. His voice suddenly softened when he noticed the mud splattered across my pant legs. "I was too harsh just now."

He reached out as if to wipe the dirt from my face, but I turned my head away.

"When things settle down, I'll take you on that beach vacation you've always wanted. How about it?"

He was always like this. He'd slap me down, then offer me something sweet.

I remembered when I'd first joined the station. Chloe had put an arm around my shoulders and said, "Lena, I admire your investigative reports more than anything. When you go out into the field, I'll be your camerawoman.

"We're going to be the kind of reporters who actually make a difference in people's lives."

That was why I had always made a point of documenting every family's circumstances whenever I scouted a location.

I knew Chloe had never been to a disaster zone, so I'd even left my own abrasion-resistant shell jacket on her desk.

It turned out I was the only one who had ever taken those ideals seriously.

...

The next day, Chloe showed up at my apartment with a box of chocolates.

"Lena, don't be mad at Jacob anymore." She set the chocolates on the table with an aggrieved expression. "What happened yesterday was my fault. I didn't read the documents carefully."

She took my hand. "Please don't break up with him over this. You two have been together for so many years. It isn't worth fighting over me."

I pulled my hand away.

"Chloe, enough with the act." I looked her straight in the eye. "The door's right there. See yourself out."

It was the first time since we'd known each other as kids that I'd ever told her to leave.

Chloe froze, and tears filled her eyes.

"Lena, how did you become like this..." She covered her face and ran out.

…

That afternoon, the station held an emergency press conference to address the interview incident at the evacuation center.

I sat below the stage and watched Jacob.

Jacob stood before a wall of cameras and microphones from dozens of media outlets and read the prepared statement without so much as a flicker of emotion.

"As for this incident, our reporter Lena Foster made serious oversights during the preliminary investigation.

"She failed to communicate critical information to the field reporting team, which ultimately led to this tragedy.

"The station has decided to suspend Lena Foster from her duties."

Every eye in the room turned toward me.

I remained completely calm. I felt no anger and made no attempt to defend myself.

After the press conference, Jacob stopped me backstage.

"Don't look at me like that." He frowned. "If Chloe takes this disciplinary action, her career will be ruined. You're going to be my partner again anyway. Taking the blame this once isn't a big deal."

He genuinely believed he'd found the perfect balance.

"You really think I'll ever be your partner again?" I asked.

"Stop making a fuss." He sighed. "I know this was unfair to you. How about we go out for your favorite local food tonight, hmm?"

I ignored him and walked straight out of the station.

…

When I returned to my apartment, I stuffed the last few pieces of clothing into my suitcase.

My phone lit up with a WhatsApp message from Jacob.

Jacob: [I've made a reservation at our usual place. Stop sulking. Be good.]

I glanced at the plane ticket on the table. My destination was Silver Ridge, the disaster zone where a real investigative reporting team was waiting for me.

Later, as the departure announcement for my flight came over the airport speakers, I opened Jacob's profile.

Without hesitation, I tapped Block.