Flash Marriage: The Domineering Wife Chapter 442 The plan (2)

"If Tai Pin aims for the top spot in the underworld, then trust that he has summoned only the heads of the prominent families to his gathering."

A power grab requires witnesses, after all.

As he laid out the intricacies of his strategy to the assembled men, Edward saw no need to recount the history between himself and his adversary.

All that mattered to these men was the objective: an enemy to be vanquished, and their assistance in achieving it.

"Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," came the unified response.

The hotel's underground parking garage was typically a desolate place, avoided by most due to its dim lighting, obstructive concrete pillars, and general lack of security.

Visibility was poor across the cavernous space, rendering it the perfect location for discreet arms deliveries to the team.

That very night, a truck arrived, laden to capacity with protective gear, much of which was unlikely to withstand the gunfire anticipated in the coming hours.

With quiet purpose, several soldiers from the meeting descended to organize the weaponry.

Firearms were meticulously cleaned and loaded to their maximum capacity, while bulletproof vests were inspected for any potential weaknesses. The gleam on the sword blades was polished until they reflected the meager light.

None of the weapons would be moved from the truck until the opportune moment.

Following a thorough inventory, the truck was relocated to the parking area of the hotel where the impending event was to be held.

"As per the invitation, Tai Pin anticipates my arrival at the hotel sometime today."

Viktor glanced at the digital display on his smartwatch. "It's nearly seven o'clock."

"I had a late flight," Edward replied with a shrug.

"Shall I arrange a taxi for you then?"

After a brief consideration, Edward shook his head. "Take me to the airport instead."

His reasoning was that Tai Pin would undoubtedly be monitoring his movements from the airport.

"Until this moment, I was merely a visitor in Shanghai," he announced to the room. "Now, I am a marked man."

***

The task of discreetly ushering Edward into the airport, making it seem as though he had just disembarked from a flight, was far from simple.

Given that Tai would surely have access to flight manifests, their only viable option was to utilize the private terminals, the usual landing spot for private jets.

Furthermore, Tai would not expect Edward to utilize commercial flights. It was fortunate that they had been meticulously covering their trail from the outset. However, their focus had been misdirected towards the wrong adversary throughout.

It was Tai Pin orchestrating everything; Jinn was merely a figurehead necessary to divert suspicion.

Edward found himself contemplating the fate of Alexa's father following the conclusion of these events. He was certain Tai had extended an offer of a prime seat at the head table, yet it was common knowledge that such a promise would never materialize.

"In the end," Edward confided in Viktor as they journeyed towards the airport, "one of them will inevitably betray the other, and that is precisely the aspect we must keenly observe."

Upon their arrival at the airport, they navigated their way to the private terminals, emerging looking as if they had just stepped off a flight. This time, Holly was not accompanying Edward; he had already dispatched her back to Beijing.

"There has been a modification to the plans for the party, and I apologize," was all he had conveyed to her before closing the door of the hired car.

Instead of Edward himself, Viktor had designated four men to serve as his security detail. Clad in suits so dark a blue they appeared black, these four men formed an impenetrable cordon around the crime boss.

Viktor, accompanied by two others, remained on the ground, vigilant for any sign of Tai's operatives and prepared to retaliate should the confrontation commence prematurely.

Dressed as a chauffeur, another of Edward's trusted soldiers stood near a dark green Toyota Highlander, awaiting his passengers.

Spotting their approach, he hurried to retrieve Edward's luggage, which he promptly placed in the trunk. The moment Edward and his entourage were settled inside, the driver sped away.

"Any developments, Viktor?"

"None yet, but we are closely monitoring your vehicle's progress."

Edward's primary concern was whether they were being followed. It was an almost certainty that they would be.

The driver proceeded to The Haven, where accommodations for Edward had been secured well in advance.

As they entered the lobby, heads turned, captivated by the group's arrival. Edward certainly possessed a knack for making a dramatic entrance, and the protective perimeter around him only intensified.

Now within hostile territory, maintaining a state of readiness for an immediate assault was paramount. The men only relaxed their vigilance around their leader once they reached the reception desk.

"Edward Wu," he stated simply, prompting the blonde receptionist to begin typing rapidly on her computer.

"Mr. Wu, we have been anticipating your arrival."

"I hope I am not too late."

"Not at all," the woman replied, offering a smile that, under different circumstances, might have seemed less unsettling. Edward could not bring himself to trust her, regardless of his inclination.