Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

"What did he do?" Hudson asked, feigning a stern expression with a hint of a smile. "If Ludwik's giving you a hard time, you better tell me, sweetheart. I'll make sure he regrets it! Remember how he practically begged me, saying he'd do anything to win you back?"

Whitney felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her and quickly stood up, eager to change the subject. "Don't worry about your daughter getting bullied," she said with a playful raise of her eyebrows, offering her dad a reassuring smile. "Remember what I told you too much worrying makes you sick. Let it go, Dad. Don't make Mom sad up there in heaven."

"I know, I know," Hudson replied, though his gaze lingered on the framed photo across the room.

Whitney realized just how deeply her father still cared, a truth that had eluded her until this very moment. It was heartwarming to know her mom was still remembered fondly, even if she'd left too soon.

Blinking back tears, Whitney quietly turned off the study's light and slipped out.

In the grand living room of the Sheldon Mansion, her grandfather was no longer in his chair. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was past nine.

The family butler approached, ready to escort her out. "The old master has retired for the night. He instructed me to see you out with a light once you left Mr. Sheldon's study. Miss, the old man really likes you now."

Whitney knew the butler was trying to curry favor, noting her recent standing in the Sheldon family. Once an outsider, she'd become indispensable to Hudson, while Florence, once the apple of her grandmother's eye, seemed a relic of the past.

With Holly banished and Uncle Hugh no longer residing here, Ms. Sheldon had seemingly vanished from the scene. It was clear whose favor mattered now.

Whitney chuckled inwardly at the butler's attempt to be diplomatic. She never intended to play power games at the mansion and had no desire to live in such an environment. She simply replied, "With no lady of the house around, please take good care of my father.'

"Mr. Sheldon is doing well," the butler assured her. "But the old lady, she's always worrying. If she's not fretting over Sienna Turner's wedding, she's thinking about finding Mr. Sheldon a new wife. A mother's concern, I suppose."

Whitney was thunderstruck. Her grandmother's controlling nature was no surprise, but matchmaking for her dad? Surely Hudson would have none of it.

He'll handle it as he

agreeing, "I too think the old

was involved with Sandy Turner, and they

she's planning for Sienna, is it

did you know, Miss? Yes, it's with the Nelson Mansion up on Brew

not Shane? Sienna would

eyes, Whitney pondered

than the last. Brew Hill was the epicenter of Emperor City's elite, starting with the Lippert Resort at the summit, followed by the Nelson Mansion, the

a badge of honor for the wealthy who could afford

the entrance gates, Whitney was about to pay the parking fee when she caught sight of two familiar

heart sank. I was Hugh in a

were speaking with a sales manager. Holly

et vela

ie

both shocking and

disgraced and exiled, had the nerve to show their

it would surely add

a cool frown, Whitney decided to confront them and got out

car door slamming shut drew

Holly turned and froze upon seeing Whitney

soon replaced by a venomous glare,