Bound To The Broken Alpha (Amy and Daniel) novel Chapter 8

**Chapter 8: Silly Girl**

**MARK**

I had been observing Amy far too intently over the past few weeks. Every little action she took radiated a rebellious energy that gnawed at my patience. Once upon a time, she would lower her gaze when I spoke, her demeanor submissive and compliant. But now? Now she regarded me as though I were merely a ghost from her past, a shadow that no longer held any power over her. This transformation unsettled me, a fact I was determined to conceal. An Alpha does not bend, especially not for a woman.

When Clara came rushing to me, visibly upset and breathless, her words tumbled out in a frantic rush. “Mark, you won’t believe it! Amy has impressed Raymond!” The urgency in her voice made it clear that she was seeking my intervention. Clara had been promised her moment in the spotlight. She was my chosen one, the loyal companion who remained steadfast when Amy chose to walk away. Allowing Amy to take center stage and bask in the limelight meant empowering her to grow beyond my control. I would never permit that.

Raymond was a formidable opponent in this game. He wielded a sharp tongue and had little patience for any sign of weakness. Yet, like everyone else in this city, he had a price. Money and influence—those were the true weapons of power in this world, far more potent than any blade. When I summoned him to my office, the irritation etched on his face was unmistakable.

“Mark, you’re pushing too hard,” he said, leaning against my desk with an air of defiance. “Amy earned that role. You know how she performed. Taking it away will—”

I leaned back in my chair, carefully studying his expression. “She won’t leave. She has nowhere else to go. You give Clara the role. Consider it an investment deal. My company will double our contribution to your next show. Surely, that should be enough to sway you.”

His eyes narrowed, suspicion dancing within them. “You really think money fixes everything.”

“It does,” I replied, my tone clipped and resolute. I believed it with every fiber of my being. Power, money, dominance—it was all the same language, and I needed Amy to remember who held the reins.

Raymond shook his head, but I could see the wheels turning in his mind. He wouldn’t refuse. They never did in the end. Still, I caught him muttering something under his breath about consequences. But I had no interest in his concerns. Amy would not rise above me—not while I still drew breath.

When I broke the news to Clara, her joy was palpable. She enveloped me in a tight embrace, her voice dripping with a sickly sweetness that felt almost nauseating. “Thank you, Mark. You always keep your word.”

I remained silent, unwilling to reveal the truth behind my actions. I didn’t do this out of some misplaced affection; I did it because I could not bear the thought of Amy shining where Clara had faltered. Amy had made her choice to walk away from me, but I vowed she would never stray too far.

That night, I found myself scrolling through social media, my eyes glued to the screen. Clara’s announcement was already making waves online. She had posted pictures of herself with Raymond, the two of them smiling as if they were the perfect duo, hinting at the upcoming show. The comments flooded in, praising her beauty and grace, while a few even speculated about Amy, asking what had become of her. Clara, of course, ignored those remarks, her hunger for attention insatiable.

As I continued to peruse the posts, Brian entered the room, his arms crossed defiantly as he leaned against the doorframe. “You really believe that pushing Amy down again will solve anything?” he questioned, skepticism lacing his tone.

I arched an eyebrow, a hint of irritation flaring within me. “You sound like you doubt my judgment.”

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