Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1195
He fixed his gaze on Sandy's pale little face, and his words, sharp as a winter
wind, were really meant for Whitney. "You don't need your family's help, but you're dragging me into it? Ms. Turner, come on-
since when is work more important than your sister's drama?"
He didn't even try to hide the sarcasm. "Hope you make it quick and come back early. And tonight, keep an eye on Whitney, will
you? Don't let her come bothering me!"
Sandy blinked, taken aback. This was the first time she'd seen Shane-usually the picture of a perfect gentleman-boss her around
like this. Was he seriously scolding her? What on earth for? Was this about her sneaking a look at the little soap opera between
him and Sienna earlier?
She felt a spark of irritation, but with Shane's chilly vibe and his status at the company, she didn't dare say much. So she just
shot back coldly, "Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Nelson. My sister's family has been in and out of the ER lately. I'll make sure she

stops bothering you."
Shane's jaw clenched. He was about to snap, "I'm not―"
"Whitney, I'm heading out!" Sandy cut him off, turning away. Even though she was
a little scared, she ignored him completely. Who'd have guessed that beneath Shane's charming, polished surface was a guy this
controlling and short- tempered?
Her discomfort grew. She spun on her heel and hurried off toward Zachary, not looking back.
Shane just stood there, watching helplessly as the petite woman climbed into that other guy's car. His chest rose and fell with
barely contained anger. One hand stayed jammed deep in his pocket, fist clenched tight.
Whitney let out a low whistle, smirking as she watched the drama unfold. "Shane, you really know how to push your own girl
away. If you don't know how to sweet- talk a woman, maybe just keep your mouth shut. For real, you're hopeless."
"Yeah, well, this is all your fault!" Shane shot back, pointing a finger at her flawless face. "All I ever do is help you and Ludwik-
then you turn around and mess with me. You're trying to set her up with that pretty boy? Over my dead body."

Whitney just raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, her smirk growing. She'd gotten exactly the reaction she wanted, so she couldn't

resist egging him on. "Hey, Sandy's my cousin. I gotta look out for her. But if you keep dragging your feet and won't make a
move, then I'll help her find someone else."
She gave him a sly grin. "Actually, that Zachary kid looks pretty cute. Didn't think you'd have competition, huh?"
"Shut up." Shane's voice was low and dangerous, his eyes dark and unreadable. "I've got my reasons. Just stay out of it,
Whitney."
"Oh? Your grand plan is to stand by and watch Grandma show up and force you to marry Sienna? Is that it?"
"Not a chance in hell," Shane snapped, the mask slipping from his handsome face. He finally let a hint of his real plan slip. "I
want to win big, not settle for scraps. If I can't wrap this up and get Sandy for good, then what's the point? As for that Zachary
guy he works for the Sheldon Group, right? Keep your own staff in check, or I'll make sure Sandy walks out of your precious
company."
"Wow, listen to you!" Whitney was more amused than angry now. At least she finally had an idea what he was really thinking.
She teased him, "Honestly, I think Zachary's got a thing for Sandy. You're not getting any younger, Shane. Better watch out, or
that bird's going to fly right out of your hands."
"Go back to the hospital and look after Ludwik, will you?" Shane shot back, his face stormy. "If I don't end up with Sandy, I swear
I hope Ludwik can't give you the happy ending you want."
Whitney's cheeks flushed red at that, and she glared at him. "When you marry Sandy, I'll send all that bad luck right back at you!
Well? What are you waiting for? Go after them!"
"...Unbelievable," Shane muttered, feeling like he'd been sucker-punched.