Beyond all else

Jessica Reddington, burdened with her mother's death and left to her own defenses by an uncaring and bitter father, grows up to be a hardhearted and selfish woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants-and what she wants most is her sister Rachel's fianc?, Matthew. Using her wiles she manages to seduce him, intent on entrapping him in marriage. Soon finding that her plan didn't work as expected, Jessica uses further treachery to achieve her goal. However, in time her deceit is exposed and Matthew leaves her. Frightened and desperate for help from the results of her duplicity Jessica goes to her sister, but Rachel is unable to forgive her for the betrayal that's left her alone, suffering the loss of the only man she's ever loved. Though it pains her to do so, she turns Jessica away.