Chapter 5: Goodbye, My White Moonlight

Everyone knows the Linwoods and Torreses are just business partners, but Mariah is crazy about Harrison. A woman’s jealousy is dangerous. Mariah saw Harrison cold to her but gentle to Savannah—how could she not snap?

Harrison clenched his fists, jaw tight. He hated that everyone saw Mariah as the villain, but couldn’t deny the logic. The city’s rumor mill spun faster than ever.

Harrison closed his eyes. "Go to the hospital first."

He didn’t argue, just gave the order. Duty first, emotions later.

On the way, Savannah woke up. Seeing Harrison had saved her, tears streamed down her face, soaking her white dress.

She looked at him with wide, grateful eyes, clutching his hand as if he was her only lifeline.

"Mr. Linwood," she said, "I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, but we shouldn’t see each other again."

Her voice trembled, thick with emotion. She looked away, blinking back more tears.

Harrison tried to keep his tone steady, but his jaw was tight. "Don’t be scared. Did you see the kidnapper’s face?"

He tried to keep his tone calm, but there was an edge to it—a hint of desperation.

Savannah paused, then shook her head.

She hesitated, glancing down at the pearl in her hand. Her silence spoke volumes.

"No, I can’t say."

She bit her lip, her eyes misty. "Mr. Linwood, everyone says you have all the power in Maple Heights, but only I know your burdens. I understand the Torres family’s help to your career, so... you and Mrs. Linwood shouldn’t have more conflict because of me."

Her words were soft, but they landed like a punch. She played the martyr perfectly, making herself small and selfless.

Harrison’s hand tightened silently. It was Mariah. It really was Mariah.

He stared out the window, the city lights blurring. He wanted to believe in Mariah’s innocence, but every sign pointed to her guilt.

At first, Harrison still hoped Mariah was innocent. But now, even that last hope was gone.

He swallowed hard, the weight of betrayal settling in his chest.

Savannah watched his expression. She held back tears, saying softly: "Mr. Linwood, please don’t blame Mrs. Linwood. She only did it because she loves you too much..."

She squeezed his hand, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Harrison looked away, unable to meet her gaze.

At that moment, the phone rang.

The shrill ring cut through the tension. Harrison snatched up his phone, jaw clenched, his fingers white-knuckled around the device.

Harrison could barely contain his anger. "Hello."

His voice was sharp, clipped. The driver glanced at him in the rearview mirror, but said nothing.

---

"Hello... is this Mr. Linwood?"

I was startled by the anger in Harrison’s voice. But clutching the phone, I said anxiously, "I’m Mariah’s friend. She’s in the hospital, it’s really bad, can you come quick?"

I tried to sound calm, but my voice shook. The hospital’s fluorescent lights flickered overhead, casting everything in a harsh glow. My hands were clammy on the phone.

On the other end, Harrison was silent.

The silence stretched, the kind that makes you want to fill it with anything, just to make it stop.

He said, "What stunt is she pulling now?"

His voice was flat, tired. I could picture him pinching the bridge of his nose, already annoyed.

I got more anxious: "What are you talking about? Mariah just had a car accident, it’s really serious..."

My voice cracked. I glanced at Mariah, lying on the hospital bed, her face pale under the sheets. We’d rehearsed this scene, but it still felt too real.

"Enough," Harrison said coldly. "She’s done this too many times. Every time she messes up, she pretends to be sick or gets herself hurt, trying to make me soften. Now the scandal’s too big, so she’s even faking a car accident? Tell her, if she’s hurt she should see a doctor. I’m not a doctor."

His words were like ice water. I bit my lip, fighting back tears. No matter what we did, it was never enough.

"Harrison..." I shouted.

But it was useless. He hung up.

The dial tone rang in my ear. I stared at the phone, numb, the weight of our plan settling on my shoulders.

---

Harrison Linwood

Harrison threw his phone aside and sat in silence for a long time.

He stared at the city skyline through his office window, the lights blurring as his thoughts raced. The room felt colder, emptier than usual, the hum of the AC the only sound.