The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapters 1826-1830

Hearing the old man again pitying Bruce, Corran, the boss, expressed his displeasure. "Dad," he said, "Bruce has been gone for years. Let's not revisit this. He's responsible, and even the entire Eastcliff family's situation is beyond our control."

Myles agreed. "Yes, Dad. We're discussing Fitz and Zara, not Bruce."

The old man sighed, waving a hand. "Never mind. Let's focus. The Banks family's first step into Japan is already faltering. Their next moves will be precarious, presenting a golden opportunity for us. What do you think?"

Everyone exchanged glances. Corran readily agreed. "Dad, you're right. This is a huge opportunity!"

"Our shipping business lagged behind the Banks family, putting us at a significant disadvantage," Corran continued. "But if we capitalize on their failures, cooperate with the Ito family, and secure the Japanese market, it would be a crippling blow to the Banks family."

Lord Wade nodded, pausing thoughtfully. "For now, direct competition is unwise. We must proceed discreetly and subtly. The Banks family must not be alerted."

Corran questioned this approach. "Dad, the Banks family operates brazenly in Japan. Should we be so secretive about a simple cooperation?"

Lord Wade smiled subtly. "The Banks family's power is undeniable. A high-profile approach would be provocative and counterproductive."

Lord Wade continued, "However, even a subtle jab will inevitably lead to conflict. We need to proceed cautiously."

Corran pressed, "Dad, what do you suggest?"

Lord Wade spoke seriously. "To defeat the Banks family, we must analyze them deeply, not just superficially compare statistics."

Corran immediately stood, bowing deeply. "Dad, I'm obtuse. Please enlighten me!"

Lord Wade shook his head, his thoughts returning to Bruce. He sighed inwardly, "Corran is brilliant, but lacks Bruce's genius. Bruce was unparalleled; a master of intuitive understanding and self-learning. What a loss"

Corran noticed his father's disappointment, his face flushing.

Lord Wade quickly composed himself. "While the Banks family has many heirs, only Zayne holds Lord Banks' favor. Zayne's children are exceptionally competitive, particularly Zara and Fitz, the two most outstanding young people in the family. Lord Banks and Zayne deeply favor Zara, even more than Fitz, their eldest grandson. Therefore, upon Lord Banks' death, power will undoubtedly pass to Zayne and his family."

"Within Zayne's branch, Zara will wield the most influence." Lord Wade's gaze hardened. "Zara is a woman, and will eventually marry. That will be the Banks family's breaking point. Whoever wins Zara, wins half the family's assets!"

Zayne Banks' acting skills were superb. If not for Ito Yuhiko's knowledge of him, Zayne's amiable facade would have been convincing. Despite his inner disgust, Ito maintained a professional demeanor. "Mr. Banks, you're too kind. I would have met you at the airport and arranged your hotel stay, but unforeseen circumstances arose."

Zayne hastened to assure him. "Mr. Ito, please don't be so formal. The Banks and Ito families share a long history of cooperation; we will continue to strengthen our ties. This minor incident is inconsequential."

Ito felt nauseous but merely nodded, agreeing. "Mr. Banks is right. No need to dwell on it…"

Zayne nodded, satisfied. "Mr. Ito, despite the recent chaos in Tokyo, and the harm inflicted upon you, let's acknowledge the truth: the Ito family emerged as the biggest winner."

Ito understood Zayne's veiled message—a reminder of the Banks family's assistance, implying they had played a hand in his family's success. However, Ito wasn't grateful. The Ito family's survival was not due to Zayne, but to Charlie Wade. Without Charlie Wade saving Fitz and Zara, and subsequently uncovering the truth, Zayne might never have found the killer.

Ito sighed. "Mr. Banks, the Ito family barely survived. Look at my legs—ruined! Only thanks to my loyal servant, Tanaka, pushing me off the overpass, did I escape being murdered."

Ito subtly conveyed his independence from Zayne and the Banks family. He continued, "My daughter was also ambushed by ninjas in Kyoto and rescued by a master. Otherwise, I'd have lost her. Speaking of which, Mr. Banks, your children were also saved by this mysterious master in Kyoto, weren't they?"

Zayne's expression soured. Ito's words negated Zayne's attempt to claim credit. Ito's implication was clear: he owed nothing to Zayne. Both families owed their gratitude to the mysterious master.

Nevertheless, Zayne couldn’t refute Ito. His children had indeed been saved by the mysterious master, a Chinese man, whose identity remained a mystery. Zayne had assigned Xion to investigate, but had to recall him due to the manhunt by Japanese authorities.

Zayne pressed, "Mr. Ito, since this mysterious person protected your daughter, you must know him."

Ito shook his head regretfully. "I wish I did. My daughter knows nothing. I'd love to employ such a powerful person! With such protection, one would never fear for their safety!"

Zayne watched Ito, believing him truthful. The mystery of the master's motives remained; a righteous act or something more?

Zayne changed the subject. "Mr. Ito, besides visiting, I want to discuss cooperation. Shipping is a key business for the Banks family. While our strategy is global, the Japanese market remains crucial. I'd like to propose a partnership with the Ito family."

Ito nodded. "The Ito family eagerly awaits cooperation."

Zayne felt triumphant. But Ito planned to stall. Apologetically, he said, "Mr. Banks, my physical condition necessitates at least a half-month hospital stay. Even after discharge, recovery will take months. A decisive answer regarding cooperation may take some time…"