Bab 386: Chapter 386: Visit by Princess Margaret
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In recent months, Japan's financial sector had become increasingly frenetic, with many Japanese people diving into investments as the US stock market soared. This speculative bubble saw many Japanese profiting handsomely, though their gains were largely theoretical until they could be realized.
Hans Pharmaceuticals was at the center of this financial frenzy. Its stock price had surged to $106, pushing its market value to $400 million. The rapid rise seemed irrational, but financial speculation often defied logic.
Hans Pharmaceuticals was involved in several high-profile transactions. The Nicholas Antique Mortgage Financial Investment Corporation invested $63 million to acquire 24.7% of the company, becoming its largest shareholder. Other major investors, such as Downey Funds and George Mortgage Financial Investment Company, also bought substantial shares, causing a flurry of activity in the markets.
The original African investors in Hans Pharmaceuticals withdrew completely, vanishing with the millions they had amassed. This massive shift in ownership and the resultant media coverage captured the attention of investors worldwide, especially in Japan, where the deal was scrutinized closely.
Japanese financial experts raised concerns about the high stock prices driven by speculative enthusiasm. Some analysts even warned of potential trouble if the company's stock was merely built on hype rather than solid fundamentals. These warnings led to some public panic.
Despite the skepticism, major investment firms remained optimistic. They reported that the company's Phase III trials in Africa were successful, bolstering the stock price further.
During this period, Hardy had sold all his shares in Hans Pharmaceuticals, making a net profit of $380 million from his strategic investments. This substantial gain was the culmination of a two-year plan, where Hardy had used others' money to reap the rewards, leaving the investors to bear the losses if things went awry.
The funds used were primarily from Wells Fargo Bank, Cayman Islands, which had attracted many deposits due to its tax advantages and confidentiality. Unlike its US counterpart, the Cayman branch did not offer interest on deposits, but many chose it for its financial discretion.
One day, Hardy's secretary brought him a telegram from Britain. It was from Princess Margaret, reminding him of his promise to show her around the United States.
Hardy was taken aback. He had nearly forgotten about his promise to the British royal. Though he was not particularly interested in royal connections, he saw this as an opportunity to engage with the British royal family and perhaps influence future interactions.
He decided to reply affirmatively, assuring Margaret that he would indeed show her the sights of the United States.
In Britain, Princess Margaret shared the telegram with her sister, Princess Elizabeth. Elizabeth suggested that Margaret's visit could serve a diplomatic purpose. Given Hardy's close ties with President Johnson, he might help negotiate a postponement of the UK's loan repayments.
The UK was struggling with its post-war debts, having borrowed heavily from the US during World War II. The loans, totaling $22.6 billion, required annual repayments exceeding $500 million, a burden the UK was finding difficult to bear. The British government hoped to discuss delaying these payments and possibly securing additional aid during Margaret's visit.
Originally, Princess Elizabeth was to undertake this mission herself, but concerns about potential diplomatic fallout led to the decision to send Princess Margaret instead.
Margaret, aware of the political and personal implications of her trip, was eager to explore the United States. She planned to leverage her relationship with Hardy to both fulfill her personal interests and advance the diplomatic goals of her visit.
Elizabeth reminded her sister to adhere to court etiquette and focus on the primary mission—securing a delay in loan repayments and exploring new aid opportunities. Despite this, Margaret's thoughts were already drifting towards the exciting experiences awaiting her in America, with Hardy as her guide.
As the day of her departure approached, Margaret's anticipation was palpable, balancing her royal duties with the thrill of exploring a new world.
Bab 387: Chapter 387: The Birth of a Fallen Girl
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A passenger plane touched down at Washington Airport, greeted by a throng of reporters, diplomats, and celebrities. Among the welcoming party stood Hardy, positioned prominently in the crowd.
As the hatch opened, Princess Margaret descended the escalator, waving gracefully. Dressed in a flowing white gown with a delicate crown and a mink shawl, her attire showcased her elegance. Hardy noted with a hint of amusement that the princess had matured since their last encounter.
The flash of cameras was relentless as the reporters snapped photos of the princess. As she reached the ground, an American diplomat stepped forward to welcome her warmly. Princess Margaret responded with a graceful nod and a polite "Thank you."
The officials introduced the attendees, and when Hardy extended his hand, Margaret greeted him with a courteous "Hello, Baron Hardy." Hardy, in turn, kissed her hand, remarking, "Welcome to the United States. The princess seems even more beautiful than before."
Margaret smiled at the compliment, appreciating the warmth of Hardy's reception. Following this, she and her entourage were escorted to their hotel. Upon arrival, an official informed Margaret of President Johnson's eagerness to meet with her, scheduling a dinner at the White House for the following night.
Margaret expressed her gratitude and then asked if Hardy could stay for a private chat. He agreed, and soon they were alone in her hotel room, with coffee served by a servant.
Margaret wasted no time, explaining her dual objectives for the visit: securing an extension on loan repayments and seeking additional aid. She hoped Hardy could assist in persuading President Johnson to accommodate these requests.
Hardy, aware of the significant debt burden Britain faced from WWII and the strained US-UK relations, acknowledged the difficulty of the task. He admitted that while he could relay the request to President Johnson, he couldn't guarantee success.
Margaret understood and thanked him before he took his leave. Once alone, she exhaled with relief, feeling the weight of her royal persona lift as she relaxed into more casual attire.
In her hotel bedroom, Margaret turned on the TV, eager to explore American television. She tuned into ABC, Hardy's network, and was immediately captivated by an Estee Lauder advertisement. Intrigued by the engaging content, she continued watching, delighted by the rich variety of American TV programming.
The TV series "The Great Mrs. Maisel" caught her attention next. The show, which had gained widespread popularity, depicted a housewife's journey from marital breakdown to personal triumph. Margaret found the drama compelling and was drawn into the narrative, eager to follow the protagonist's story.
Margaret, who had been intrigued by American television's quality and variety, also explored other channels, comparing them to British programming. She found American TV generally superior, especially praising the offerings on ABC.
Her exploration led her to the Las Vegas TV station, where she was mesmerized by the live horse racing and gambling promotions. Fascinated by the concept of betting via TV, she decided to try her hand at it.
Margaret contacted the station to open a betting account and deposited $20,000, her personal funds. Although she had a modest monthly allowance, she was drawn to the thrill of betting and the luxurious lifestyle promoted by the Las Vegas casino.
She placed several bets, initially on lottery draws and then on horse races. Despite a few wins, most of her attempts were unsuccessful, and she found herself increasingly absorbed by the betting activities.
As the evening progressed, Margaret's excitement grew, especially when she won a horse race bet. Her exhilaration was palpable, and she bounced on her bed in joy. However, as the night wore on, she continued betting, eventually depleting her account to just over $200 by the early morning.
Exhausted, Margaret fell asleep, having been lured into the captivating world of American entertainment and gambling. The princess, once a symbol of regal composure, had succumbed to the temptations of Hardy's financial empire in just one day.
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