Flash Marriage: The Domineering Wife Chapter 441 The plan

Edward harbored doubts about escorting Amy back to the mall, yet she had convinced him that keeping Tai unaware of his newfound knowledge was paramount.

"It might exacerbate the situation. Please, Edward, just let me return," Amy pleaded.

Edward countered, "Haven't they already realized you're missing?"

Amy shook her head, explaining, "I told them I was searching for baby items. Besides, they would have contacted me by now if they were actively looking."

She had been at the mall earlier with Jinn and Tai's wives. When Edward inquired, Amy professed ignorance regarding Jinn's presence at the resort.

"The wives aren't privy to such matters. However, if I'm not present when they plan to depart, an alarm will undoubtedly be raised," Amy explained.

Edward considered her words, finally relenting and agreeing to take her back to the mall.

"I will return for you, Amy. That's a promise," Edward declared.

These were Edward's final assurances to Amy before he left her at the shopping center.

He had pulled her close, a feat made more challenging by her condition, and then sealed his promise with a kiss.

It was a pact. He wasn't leaving Shanghai without her. Their surveillance mission concluded there; they had gathered sufficient intelligence to proceed, rendering further observation of Jinn Yang unnecessary.

"Of all the individuals I suspected might betray me, Tai was the last one I'd have chosen," Edward mused.

"As you always say, boss," Viktor reminded him, "expect the unexpected."

"He was like family, Viktor. My father stood by him when he departed from the mafia," Edward recalled, though a hint of doubt remained about the specifics.

Edward had come to realize that Tai's relocation was likely a deliberate ploy to evade detection while devising his next move.

"Even familial bonds cannot quell the hunger for power," Edward observed grimly.

***

Within thirty minutes of the directive being issued, Edward Wu's hotel suite teemed with over twenty men, all hardened and expertly trained by the Chinese mafia.

These soldiers operated under Edward's command, with an additional contingent of over fifty stationed in Shanghai's underbelly, ready to reinforce or counter any unforeseen enemy strength.

This assembly offered a stark illustration of Edward Wu's formidable resources.

"Good afternoon," Edward announced, addressing the assembled men.

They filled his suite, a space that would comfortably accommodate them were it not for their imposing physiques and palpable testosterone.

The room itself struggled to contain them, with some men spilling into Edward's personal quarters. However, the door remained ajar, allowing them to overhear their leader's pronouncements.

A resonant chorus of replies echoed their boss's greeting before Edward continued.

"I've summoned you here because tomorrow night, a significant battle will commence. It will be a clash between the most formidable factions of the mafia, and your assistance is crucial."

The men present had just emerged from the rigorous training regimen of one of the most formidable martial arts masters Edward had ever encountered.

This was the very same master who had trained Viktor, and the only individual Edward entrusted with honing the skills of his field operatives.

Legend held that surviving Master Shan Chi's training guaranteed one could overcome any adversity the world threw at them.

Edward fervently hoped that this legend held true, even though he harbored his own reservations.

He anticipated a fierce confrontation, a combined onslaught from Tai and Jinn's forces, leaving him prepared for anything.

While he could have mobilized more men to flood the hotel, the element of surprise remained their advantage. Edward intended to strike decisively, neutralizing a significant portion of the enemy force before they could even comprehend the unfolding events.

He outlined the strategic plan, meticulously crafted with Viktor within a mere ten minutes of intense deliberation.

The upcoming party was scheduled for the following night, the opportune moment for Tai Pin to execute whatever scheme he had in mind, particularly one aimed at coercing Edward into relinquishing his mafia leadership.

They would likely anticipate Edward's return to Beijing afterward and would spare no effort in capturing him.

"Two scenarios are probable," Edward theorized. "Either I arrive at the party and am apprehended immediately, or at some point during the festivities, Tai Pin will orchestrate my removal from the hall."

"Naturally, they anticipate my compliant acceptance, as I am presumed to be unaware of their machinations," Edward concluded.

Viktor nodded in complete accord with his boss's assessment.

"However, the first option is untenable. If they detain me before the party commences, I will feel completely outmaneuvered. I need to witness the entire situation unfold firsthand."

Therefore, Edward resolved to make his entrance at the party accompanied by a formidable entourage.

"Tai, of course, won't anticipate this because, ostensibly, I require no additional security, correct?"

Viktor grasped the implication immediately, offering Edward a nod of affirmation.

"My approach will involve walking into the venue flanked by select men on all sides. This formation will ensure that no one can easily approach me to request my presence elsewhere."

If the memo reached him, Edward would be forced to comply, as any hesitation would be the first indicator that matters weren't proceeding smoothly.

"But won't the guards raise suspicion? You mentioned yourself they aren't expecting you to have this much security."

"Viktor, I am currently perceived as the most dangerous figure in the underworld. They might not anticipate me traveling with extensive security because it's never been my modus operandi.

It won't alarm them, as they have a secondary option." Plans could be altered readily when options existed, and Edward's task was to identify Tai Pin's available choices, compelling him to select the one that would expose his forces to an attack from Edward.

This was precisely what Edward elucidated to the individuals present in the room. Following this discussion, he initiated the second phase of the strategy.

"These parties invariably follow a predictable pattern. Once all invited guests have made their entrance, the ballroom doors are secured, preventing further entry," Edward had previously informed Viktor.

"How do they ascertain that all guests have arrived?"

"They maintain a registry."

"What about those arriving late? How long do they keep the doors accessible for them?"

"It's a rule within the mafia; one does not arrive at a gathering an hour past the scheduled commencement time, or entry will be denied."

"So, you are certain that every individual on the guest list belongs to the mafia?"