Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

"I always thought, since our families go way back, Shane marrying Sienna would be a good way to honor our friendship. But look at your granddaughter-what a piece of work she turned out to be!"

Mrs. Nelson, who was usually all poise and grace, was downright furious now, her words sharper than a butcher's knife.

The look Shane's father, Gary Nelson, shot at Sienna was pure contempt-he didn't even bother to hide it.

"Shane, your dad and I nearly blamed you for nothing," Mrs. Nelson sighed, still clearly favoring her son. "Thank goodness for your friend Whitney."

"No rush," Whitney chimed in with a calm smile, still standing protectively beside Sienna, watching her pale and fuming, probably plotting something nasty. Whitney decided to just cut to the chase. "Let's be real, Sienna-you're not marrying Shane, not now, not ever. Why don't you go run to your backup plan, Lionel?

Oh, and maybe you should tell him to let those three families go already.

If you won't, I'll be more than happy to 'help'-I'll just drop him a note and tell him what you're really up to.

honestly? If he finds out about your little schemes, I doubt even Lionel would want to touch you

you're out to ruin me, aren't you?" Sienna was shaking with rage, her voice quivering as she glared at Whitney,

lunged forward, all her earlier damsel-in-distress act gone, replaced by something desperate

second thought. "You're a lunatic. Can't face the consequences of your

more blunt-years working with Ludwik had made him sharp

floor, her pride shattered. Especially seeing Sandy standing safe and sound behind Shane, being protected.

I tiptoed around your moods, I was loyal and loving. And for what? For you to run off with

Gary snapped, unable to bear

glance. "Honestly, Mrs. Wilkins, I'm speechless.

good family? Thank God my wife never agreed to let her into our home.

her-give her a

fool's gold and the real deal? Gary