Bab 323: Chapter 323: Kidnapping
After Henry left, Hardy instructed the secretary to summon Bulgari's representatives. Before Henry's arrival, Hardy had asked the secretary to have the Bulgari supervisor from Los Angeles come over.
As the majority shareholder of Bulgari, with Hardy Group serving as Bulgari's exclusive agent in the United States, Hardy had facilitated the brand's expansion into the U.S. by enabling them to open branches and support their business growth.
"Hello, Mr. Hardy," the Bulgari representative greeted respectfully.
Hardy signaled the secretary to bring in a box. Inside were a variety of high-quality gems, jade, and pearls.
The representative picked up a large sapphire and commented, "This sapphire must be fifty or sixty carats."
"And these rubies—excellent quality," he continued.
"Take these back and have them made into jewelry," Hardy instructed.
"Certainly, Mr. Hardy."
"By the way, do you know how to handle jade?" Hardy asked, holding up a particularly fine piece.
The representative replied, "Jade is valued in the East but isn't very popular in the U.S. and Europe. This green gemstone appears to be of gem quality and can be crafted into various types of jewelry."
"Good. Make sure the design is as beautiful as possible," Hardy said.
The representative nodded, and soon after, security personnel arrived to transport the box of gems to the jewelry company.
As the representative left, Hardy's desk phone rang. He answered it.
"Mr. Hardy, this is Isha."
Hardy was surprised to hear from Taylor's mother. "What's wrong, Mrs. Taylor?"
Isha's voice was anxious. "I sent a telegram from the UK saying Taylor is missing and feared kidnapped. I didn't know who else to call, so I reached out to you."
Hardy was taken aback. "But Taylor was in England visiting Princess Margaret. How could this happen?"
"I don't know. I received a telegram today saying Taylor is missing and suspected of being kidnapped. They've been searching for over a day and night with no success," Isha explained.
"I understand. I'll handle this," Hardy said.
After hanging up, Hardy called Henry again. "Organize a team of our best personnel and get them ready to go to the UK immediately."
"Sure thing, boss. Is something wrong?" Henry asked.
"Taylor's mother just informed me that Taylor is missing in the UK. I need to go there. Do we have contacts in the UK?" Hardy inquired.
"Yes, we have connections through Global Times and some trading companies," Henry confirmed.
"Alert our people in the UK to gather information on the situation as quickly as possible," Hardy instructed.
Henry agreed and set off.
Hardy sat in his office, feeling uneasy. If Taylor and Margaret were together, with Margaret overseeing royal security, how could there be an issue? MI5 or MI6 would likely be involved in the investigation. If Taylor were truly missing, these agencies would have found her by now.
Something seemed off.
Half an hour later, Hardy arrived at Los Angeles Airport, where the plane was ready. Henry was waiting with a team of over twenty elite members.
The plane took off promptly.
After seven or eight hours, it landed in New York for refueling, then continued its flight to the UK. The journey took nearly 11 hours, and they finally landed at London Airport, where several cars awaited, arranged by Henry's team.
As Hardy got into a car, Henry introduced a man next to him. "Boss, this is Alan, our intelligence contact in the UK. His public role is as a reporter, and he has over a dozen people working with him."
Alan, in his thirties, had an ordinary appearance and had previously been with the security company before being stationed in the UK.
"Alan, do you have any updates on Taylor?" Hardy asked.
"Yes, boss. Taylor is currently shopping with Princess Margaret on Oxford Commercial Street. My team is following them, though they can't get too close due to security," Alan reported.
Hardy was shocked. He had expected news of Taylor being missing, in danger, or rescued, but not that she was shopping.
"Shopping? Are you certain?" Hardy asked.
"Absolutely. Miss Taylor and Princess Margaret are indeed on Oxford Commercial Street. My team can see them but can't get closer due to the security detail," Alan confirmed.
Hardy's suspicion was confirmed. Princess Margaret, likely seeking revenge for Hardy's past behavior, might be behind this scheme. He recalled how he had embarrassed Margaret at a ball during a previous visit to the UK. It seemed the princess had orchestrated this elaborate plan to get back at him.
Margaret had long harbored resentment after Hardy's public humiliation. When she learned Taylor was Hardy's girlfriend, she likely saw this as an opportunity for payback.
Taylor, despite having a superficial relationship with Margaret, had been persuaded by her mother, Isha, to visit the UK for a break after a long filming schedule.
Taylor had spent over a month enjoying various activities with Margaret, from parties to horseback riding. Though she felt homesick, she agreed to stay another week.
The telegram indicating Taylor's "kidnapping" had been sent to add drama to the situation.
...
Margaret and Taylor were trying on clothes in a historic UK store known for its long-standing reputation.
As Taylor prepared to buy gifts before returning to the US, they entered the changing rooms to try on their selections. Taylor admired herself in the mirror, wondering if Hardy would like her outfit.
Suddenly, a male voice spoke from behind her. "No matter what you wear, I will like it."
Taylor froze. The voice belonged to Hardy, but she couldn't believe he was in London.
Turning around, she saw Hardy's smiling face in the mirror.
"Ah~~~!" Taylor exclaimed in joy, throwing herself into Hardy's arms.
On the other side of the changing room, Princess Margaret, now dressed, saw Taylor embracing Hardy. Shocked, she realized Hardy had found them.
"Why are you here?" Margaret demanded.
"You sent that telegram to get me here, didn't you?" Hardy replied, eyeing the princess with a hint of annoyance.
Margaret was caught off guard and struggled to respond.
Hardy, with Taylor in tow, said, "Come with me."
"Okay," Taylor agreed immediately.
Hardy then addressed Princess Margaret, "You're coming with us too."
Margaret, initially annoyed by Hardy's commanding tone, questioned, "Why should I?"
"Because you're the one who orchestrated this 'kidnapping,'" Hardy said, grabbing Margaret's arm and pulling her along.
"What are you doing?" Margaret protested in panic.
Hardy ignored her protests and dragged her out of the store. The store employees, still stunned, watched as Hardy and the others left. The shopkeeper rushed after them, realizing the two women still had their shop clothes on.
Outside, Hardy tossed a stack of cash to cover the unpaid clothes.
The car drove away, leaving Margaret bewildered. Her royal guards, who had been keeping a low profile, pursued Hardy's vehicle.
Margaret, seeing the guards following, said, "Your kidnapping plan might not succeed. The guards are chasing us."
Hardy glanced back and smirked. "We'll see about that."
He signaled, and one of the following cars rammed into the guard's vehicle, causing a loud crash. The first guard vehicle was knocked out of the chase.
The second guard car attempted to intervene but was soon blocked by another of Hardy's vehicles.
Margaret was astonished by Hardy's audacity, having never experienced such an intense situation before. She had always been pampered and wasn't accustomed to real danger.
In the car, Taylor held Hardy's arm, understanding that there was a story behind the dramatic events. She chose not to ask, trusting that Hardy would explain in due time.
The car merged into traffic and sped away, disappearing from view.
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