How a detected carrier force could delay the attack on Wake

What if the Japanese force approaching Wake Island detected the American carrier force?

Japan would likely withdraw or return with more strength, buying time to reinforce Wake.

If Japanese forces detected an American carrier force near Wake Island, they would need to withdraw or send a stronger force. Either response delays the operation. The extra time would allow Wake to receive major reinforcements and make a renewed attack more costly. The counterfactual depends on detection and timing rather than assuming that the first American force wins a decisive battle.