The Rise of the White Lotus

"Wow, you're really shocked, aren't you?" Examining Mia Chen's aghast expression, Lexi mused. "Actually, I didn't want to waste even a little energy explaining why you failed." Lexi paused and took a sip of her tea before she hummed in satisfaction upon its taste. 

"But, it was a memorable experience not to share. Right, Miss Chen? I know you're itching to know as well..." Using her middle finger, Lexi gently traced the tea's mouth as the corner of her lips slowly curled upward. 

*****

Weeks ago...

"Okay, let me hear your plan." As Ethan Lu locked eyes with Morris Liu's pair of cold eyes, a sudden glint flashed across his eyes. 

"My plan is to know what she truly wanted and by knowing that, I might need Lexi's participation." Morris Liu didn't break away his gaze from the pair of Ethan Lu's devil's eyes as it emanated a thirst for chaos every passing second. 

"Why?"

"As I've said, I don't know what that woman has in her head but, what I am certain is that she is waiting for a perfect time to strike so, we must give that to her." Morris Liu languidly leaned forward, placing his arms over his legs. "A perfect timing where Lexi and I are in the same space and... where Ethan Lu is not around." 

Ethan Lu absorbed his vague plan yet, upon careful consideration, the corner of his lips slightly curled into a smirk. 

"Mr. Tang's birthday celebration is near, and you must have heard it. As you know, the Tang Group of Companies has been associated with the Yang's and recently partnered with the Liu Empire." Stating the obvious, Morris Liu slightly raised his right hand as he explained. 

"I see... if you and Lexi would attend the same event, it would be less suspicious since both families are connected to Mr. Tang." Nodding his head, Ethan Lu understood Morris Liu's rational thinking. 

From the past year, Lexi and Morris Liu haven't had their chance encounter. Hence, it would be suspicious if they suddenly meet. Also, it would be more believable if whatever happened in the event would look natural. 

So, if they executed their plans on the same day which Mia Chen must have been anticipating as well, they could take advantage of it and turn the tables. Not to mention, it wasn't a secret to everyone whose political party the Lu's were supporting and the Tang's. 

Therefore, to avoid further conflicts, Ethan Lu would surely have to reject the invitation and would resort to compensate his friend, Mr. Tang, so as to not strain their relationship. With that, the old man Tang would surely understand Ethan Lu's position. 

"Although I am not a hundred percent sure, but prevention is better than cure. Also, I don't think she works alone." Morris Liu nodded his head in satisfaction as he sees Ethan Lu clearly understood. Thus, he dropped another grenade. 

"I don't know who but, Mia placing Kevin in your life — she must have another motive or, whoever she teamed up with must have ill-intention towards you. Regardless, we wouldn't know unless we were a step ahead of them." Although Morris Liu's statement was just pure speculations, he sounded convinced, as if he was certain unlike what he claimed. 

"Alright," Slowly, Ethan Lu closed his eyes before he opened them again. Beneath his pair of orbs lies the blazing thirst to send someone to where they belong — six feet under the ground. 

He unhurriedly rose from his seat and slightly tugged the hem of his suit as he prepared to leave. Ethan Lu then glanced at Morris Liu's unchanging front before he grinned and spoke. 

"Whether she is working with someone, they will voluntarily give me clues. Anyway, thank you for informing me." With that said note, Ethan Lu unhurriedly turned his back against him. 

"Will she agree?" As he watched Ethan Lu retreat, Morris Liu solemnly inquired. 

"Huh," Without turning his head back, Ethan Lu briefly chuckled at his silly question. "Brother Mo, didn't we just discuss it earlier? You don't know how she worries me these days... and, at the same time, she terrifies me a little." Recalling his distress earlier, Ethan Lu said before he resumed on his steps and left him alone. 

Indeed, that was probably the root cause of his dilemma. It was not because he wasn't confident about Lexi's capabilities or personality. But, he was worried that once Lexi goes black, she might not go back and just fall deeper and deeper into the endless darkness. 

Regardless of his worries, Morris Liu was right; Lexi has her own mind and heart. She has the freedom to know everything and then decide. He loved her for what she was and whoever she'd become, anyway.

All he needed to do was trust their marriage, trust his wife, and share their burden with each other. 

'Kevin... I have to apologize in advance because the saddest day of your life is approaching.' As he walked away, Ethan Lu muttered inwardly as he recalled his friend's well-being. 

Kevin Woo might hate them for what they were about to do but, Ethan Lu needed to do it regardless. He would be a hypocrite if he said he was doing it for Kevin Woo's sake because Ethan Lu wouldn't take action even if he knew that Mia Chen was just fooling him. 

Even so, he might give him advice but not to the point he would exert some effort to expose her. He'll just let Kevin Woo realized things.

However, since Mia Chen posed a threat to his wife and family, Ethan Lu wouldn't just sit still. They would have to send Mia Chen to her doomsday — a day that she wouldn't be able to crawl her way back because he would certainly let her feel his wrath. 

"Lyrick, move the meeting with the executives tomorrow. It's been a while since I went fishing." 

"Yes, Master." With that said note, Ethan Lu devilishly grinned as his role was to reel in whoever Mia Chen sold her soul to.