Bound To The Broken Alpha (Amy and Daniel) novel Chapter 40

40 /180

**Chapter 40: That’s Enough**

**AMY**

My insides churned with anxiety, yet I forced my voice to remain steady, betraying none of the turmoil brewing within. “Thank you. Please inform her that I will be there shortly.”

Taking a brief moment to gather my thoughts, I steadied my breathing. This meeting had to be about the photographs that had surfaced—those damning images that had landed in my lap like a ticking time bomb. Whoever had orchestrated this had certainly done their homework.

As I entered the boardroom, I was met with an atmosphere thick with tension. All twelve members were present, their expressions a mixture of concern and scrutiny as they sat in a rigid formation around the long, polished oak table. At the head of the table sat Mrs. Carter, exuding an air of authority that was both intimidating and admirable. To her right was Elias, her nephew and a senior board member, his demeanor sharp and impatient.

Clara was there too, feigning interest in her phone, her lips curving into a smirk that felt more like a sneer. I couldn’t quite grasp what she was doing here, but I had a sinking feeling that her presence was anything but benign.

Mrs. Carter motioned toward the vacant chair across from her. “Take a seat, Amy.” Her voice was unyielding, leaving no room for argument.

I settled into the chair, my spine straight as a rod, my palms resting firmly on the table. “I was informed that this meeting was of great importance.”

Before Mrs. Carter could respond, Elias interjected, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. “It is indeed important.” His tone was sharp, laced with impatience. “We’ve come across certain… information that jeopardizes both the company’s reputation and the Carter legacy.”

“Information?” I echoed, maintaining my composure, though my heart raced.

With a swift motion, Elias produced a brown folder from the table and slid it toward me. I could already feel the weight of dread settle in my chest as I opened it, revealing printed copies of the very photographs that had arrived in that anonymous envelope. My breath caught in my throat, but I refused to show any sign of weakness.

“I see,” I murmured, keeping my voice steady.

Elias leaned back in his chair, his expression scrutinizing. “Care to explain why the CEO’s wife was caught in such a compromising position with her bodyguard? These photos suggest something… highly inappropriate.”

I met his gaze, unwavering. “Cole was merely assisting me with a sensitive matter that Mars Carter is fully aware of. He has been assigned to monitor the recent threats against the company. Everything depicted in those photos was strictly business-related.”

Clara couldn’t hold back her laughter. “Business-related? In a parking lot, after hours? You certainly have a unique interpretation of professionalism, Amy.”

I turned slowly to face her, my patience wearing thin. “You seem overly invested in my personal affairs, Clara. I still fail to understand why you are here or how you managed to secure a seat at this table. Should I be concerned about your access to confidential police information?”

A palpable silence enveloped the room, Clara’s smirk faltering under the weight of my words. Elias cleared his throat, attempting to regain control. “That’s enough,” he declared, his voice stern. “We are not here to engage in games. The board is deeply concerned. The Carter name represents strength, unity, and loyalty. We cannot afford another scandal, especially with Daniel still in a coma.”

Mrs. Carter finally broke her silence, her tone calm yet resolute. “Amy, this situation has raised serious questions. About your judgment. About how you are managing the responsibilities entrusted to you.”

I held her gaze, unwavering. “You think I would jeopardize everything I’ve worked for? Risk Daniel’s reputation? The Carter name by engaging in antics with my bodyguard? That’s absurd!”

Elias leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. “We believe your recent behavior has been… troubling. You’ve been secretive, defensive. And now, this.” He tapped the folder emphatically. “Public perception is paramount. The Carter family cannot be perceived as unstable.”