The Tyrant Billionaire

Hearing this, Margaret became visibly excited.

"So, you're saying you're willing to purchase land in Southeast Asia?" she asked quickly.

"Yes," Hardy nodded.

"And you're willing to spend $500 million on British bonds?"

"Yes."

"So, the issue now is that you want Singapore included, while my sister is only offering Penang and Malacca. Is that correct?"

"Mm, correct."

"Then if Singapore is included, the deal can go through?"

"Well…you could say that," Hardy confirmed.

"Great! I'll send my sister a telegram right away and convince her to add Singapore!" Margaret said joyfully as she rushed off to instruct her steward to send the message.

Hardy watched Margaret's retreating figure.

This girl handled business with such startling efficiency.

A massive deal involving $500 million and several colonies was, to Margaret, as simple as basic arithmetic.

Margaret saw it as straightforward, but back in Britain, Princess Elizabeth and the Prime Minister saw it as anything but. From Margaret's telegram, however, they gleaned one piece of promising information—Hardy was indeed interested in the Malayan colonies.

But Singapore, located at a strategic chokepoint, held far greater economic and strategic value than Penang and Malacca. The Governor's Office itself was located there.

The British were not ready to relinquish Malaya entirely. Clinging to a glimmer of hope, they were reluctant to abandon such significant interests.

Yet $500 million was urgently needed. Now it was Elizabeth and the Prime Minister's turn to agonize.

They convened the cabinet to discuss the matter.

Meanwhile, Margaret and Hardy returned to Los Angeles. After laying low for two days, Margaret reemerged as a princess, visiting Hollywood studios and touring ABC Television. She emphasized that Britain could collaborate with America to create more and better entertainment programs.

Everywhere she went, she was warmly welcomed by the public.

A reporter asked, "Your Highness, what are your impressions of America?"

Margaret replied gracefully, "The people here are warm and welcoming. The economic development of the United States is remarkable and worthy of global admiration. In the future, as globalization progresses, I hope Britain and America will work together to contribute to humanity's advancement."

Another journalist asked, "What's next on your itinerary, Your Highness?"

Margaret smiled and said, "I've visited Washington to meet President Johnson, toured New York, and now explored Los Angeles—these are America's most iconic cities. Next, I plan to visit the British territory of the Cayman Islands at the invitation of Governor Hardy. He has told me that the Cayman Islands will be developed into the Caribbean's premier tourist destination.

"After visiting the Cayman Islands, I'll return to Britain."

The Cayman Islands trip had been Hardy's suggestion. On the way back to Los Angeles, he and Margaret had chatted about the islands' development and construction.

Hardy explained that the Cayman Islands would feature the world's most luxurious casinos and the largest duty-free luxury shopping area, even surpassing the combined size of Las Vegas's shopping districts. Beyond clothing, shoes, and cosmetics, it would also offer yachts, cars, motorcycles, and private planes.

He also planned to establish a jewelry processing center there, turning the Cayman Islands into a global hub for high-end jewelry.

Margaret was astonished by Hardy's offshore company policies and tax-free incentives. Although not well-versed in finance, she could sense the immense benefits such policies could yield.

"If you acquire Singapore, Penang, and Malacca, will you turn them into places like the Cayman Islands?" Margaret asked.

"The regions differ, so the developments will too. But wherever there's potential, I'll replicate successful practices, like offshore companies. The Cayman Islands are far from Asia, suitable for Europe and America. If I gain Singapore, I'll make it Asia's tax-free and offshore financial hub."@@novelbin@@

After spending two more days in Los Angeles, Hardy and Margaret flew to Miami, where they would board a cruise ship to the Cayman Islands.

Elizabeth Taylor didn't join them this time, as she had her own commitments. As for Hardy, he planned to take Margaret on a tour of the Cayman Islands before they flew directly to Britain together. Hardy had already received an invitation from the British Prime Minister to discuss the sale of the Malayan colonies in detail.

Although the inclusion of Singapore hadn't been confirmed, Hardy felt confident that the deal could be closed.

It was, after all, just a question of money.

The luxurious cruise shipSerenitysailed on the azure sea, traveling from Miami to the Cayman Islands in just one day and one night. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire

Originally owned by an American shipping company, this cruise ship could accommodate 3,700 passengers at once, featuring bars, casinos, theaters, and other facilities. Now acquired by the Hardy Group and renovated, it was prepared to transport tourists once operations began in the Cayman Islands.

This was only the beginning. When the Caymans prospered, more cruise ships would be purchased, allowing departures from cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles to the islands for tourism, shopping, and gambling.

On another front, once the Cayman airport was completed, flights from Miami to the Cayman Islands would take just over an hour, making the journey convenient and swift.

On the cruise ship's deck, Princess Margaret lounged in a robe-like nightgown. It was evening, and the bright moon hung high above the sea. Hardy approached her, handing her a glass of alcoholic beverage before settling into the adjacent lounge chair.

"This feeling is truly relaxing. My mind is at ease, and I don't have to think about anything," Margaret said contentedly, gazing at the night sky.

Hardy took a sip of his drink and said with a smile, "If you like it, you're welcome here every year. My Cayman Islands will always be open to you. I'll even get you a discount card for 20% off."

"So stingy, only 20% off?" Margaret pouted.

"If you're willing to be the ambassador for luxury goods, I'll give you an annual shopping card worth a million dollars," Hardy offered.

Luxury brands often owe their prestige to their association with royalty, creating an impression of high status among ordinary people.

Many of the most renowned brands today either used to or still serve royalty exclusively.

If Hardy could bring Margaret on board as a brand ambassador, she wouldn't even need to do much. To promote a brand, she'd only need to wear or display it at a few events.

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