The Tyrant Billionaire

Initially, the Indonesian government paid little attention to the Hardy group. After all, how much impact could a private company owned by an individual really have? But by the time the government recognized the issue, Hardy’s group had acquired a significant number of companies through entirely legal means. Indonesian laws did not prohibit capitalist Indonesians from selling their assets to foreigners.

However, watching a substantial portion of wealth flow into foreign hands infuriated many Indonesians. The government began drafting new policies to curb or outright block such activities.

Hardy’s intelligence network, deeply embedded in Indonesia, swiftly relayed these developments. When proposals to impose restrictions surfaced, Hardy’s side was already informed.

Simultaneously, Hardy’s group spread the news among the Capitalist community. This spurred many hesitant individuals to accelerate their integration into Hardy’s investment company. For those facing oppression, Hardy’s network became a beacon of hope.

Some even relocated their families to Hardy’s dominion, causing population surges in Penang and Malacca.

Colonel James, a former senior US military strategist specializing in conflict analysis, identified Indonesia as the most likely flashpoint.

"Explain further," Hardy said.

Colonel James displayed a chart with several names and explained, "If the Indonesian government implements restrictions or seizes property, it will directly threaten the interests of Hardy Group—a situation we cannot tolerate."

"Our response could begin with protests against Indonesia’s economic sabotage and treaty violations, framing our actions to garner international sympathy. When the time comes for stronger measures, we can justify them."

"Next would be military posturing. While Indonesia’s military is not insignificant, with 150,000 ground troops, over 100 aircraft, and eight naval vessels, we could engage in small-scale skirmishes to provoke them. This would provide grounds to seek support from the US and UK—both military and political."

Colonel James emphasized the importance of timing. "We should avoid full-scale conflict until a year and a half from now, allowing us to strengthen our forces and prepare strategies for a decisive blow."

In recent months, Hardy’s defense company initiated large-scale recruitment, drawing significant attention from neighboring regions. Malayan sultans grew increasingly uneasy. Without a strong military, they already struggled against Hardy’s dominion. With his growing forces, any opposition seemed futile.

Indonesia, now observing Hardy’s military expansion, was beginning to realize the stakes. However, Hardy’s dominion was growing at an unprecedented pace, with new air and naval bases solidifying its position.

Even as Indonesia perceived itself as a regional power, Hardy remained undeterred—steadily building his capabilities for the inevitable clash.

At the same time, numerous factories and enterprises began to rise rapidly. Machinery was shipped in from the United States and Japan, workers and raw materials arrived, and large-scale production commenced.

The entire Hardy Dominion was teeming with vitality.

Time flew by, and by mid-March, Hardy returned to the Cayman Islands. Margaret was now heavily pregnant, with only two or three weeks left before the baby was due.

"Shall we go to the United States or the United Kingdom?" Hardy asked Margaret.

"I miss my sister," Margaret replied.

"Then we’ll go to England," Hardy immediately decided.

After making all necessary arrangements, they boarded a plane to England. Queen Elizabeth was delighted to have her sister return to give birth. She arranged for Margaret to deliver at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, with the royal gynecologist overseeing the delivery.

St. Mary’s Hospital was renowned as the birthplace of key members of the royal family, including Prince Charles and Princess Anne in the 1970s. Later, Diana’s two children would also be born there.

Speaking of Prince Charles, the six-and-a-half-year-old boy stood not far away. Already showing the makings of a fine young prince, he stood beside his mother, occasionally sneaking glances at Hardy. Meanwhile, three-and-a-half-year-old Princess Anne was more lively, curiously touching Margaret’s pregnant belly.

"Is there a baby inside?" Anne asked, her voice full of innocence.

"Yes, Anne," Margaret replied with a smile. "Do you think it will be a boy or a girl?"

Anne tilted her head and answered, "I want a little sister."

She hoped for a playmate.

Margaret smiled warmly. "I’ve brought gifts for you both—they’re already in your rooms. I hope you like them."

"Thank you, Auntie!" the two children exclaimed in unison.

Margaret glanced at Hardy. "The gifts were arranged by your uncle."

The children turned to Hardy. "Thank you, Uncle!" they said, their faces lighting up.

Hardy patted their heads affectionately.

During their three-month separation, Queen Elizabeth noticed that Margaret had become much more composed—a change perhaps brought about by marriage.

The children soon returned to their rooms to explore their gifts. Charles received a meticulously crafted set of battleships from Hardy’s toy company, while Anne received a complete Barbie doll set, including a special edition Princess Margaret doll.

Two weeks later, Margaret gave birth at St. Mary’s Hospital after an hour of labor. The healthy baby boy, however, slightly disappointed Anne, who had been hoping for a sister. Margaret, on the other hand, was overjoyed.

The day after giving birth, she moved back to their castle. Watching the tiny baby flail his arms and legs, Margaret said to Hardy in disbelief, "I can’t believe I actually gave birth to a human being—it’s incredible!"

Hardy chuckled and rubbed his forehead at her astonishment.

After two days of deliberation, they named the baby David Hardy. Margaret loved the name.

Half a month later, the British royal family held a celebration banquet for David Hardy, commemorating the birth of the fifth in line to the British throne.

Yes, despite his surname being Hardy, the child retained a place in the line of succession. Under British inheritance laws, the throne passed through primogeniture. With Queen Elizabeth ascending the throne, her children Charles and Anne were first and second in line, respectively. Margaret was fourth, making David fifth.

While this ranking would shift with future births, it was still an extraordinary honor for the Hardy family.

...

An:As I was writing, I actually found out that I can keep going a bit more on the novel before ending it, which is interesting, to say the least. Just a few days ago, I tried so hard to think of a way to expand it, even just a little, but finally gave up and decided to end it. Then, out of nowhere, I got some new ideas. It feels like my brain is working against my will!

---

Experience exclusive tales on NovelBin.Côm