章 326: Chapter 326: Buy an Island, the Cayman Islands Kind
Early morning.
Taylor woke up with a throbbing headache, a consequence of her first serious hangover. The night before, she had indulged in an assortment of drinks—beer, cocktails, and even whiskey. She vaguely remembered Hardy coming to their rescue and taking her and Margaret to the nightclub for a night of revelry, but beyond that, her memory was hazy.
As she sat up, she noticed that she was dressed only in lace and realized that she was in a hotel room, not Princess Margaret's bedroom.
She called out, "Hardy, are you there?"
Footsteps approached, and Hardy entered the room wearing pajamas, his face breaking into a smile upon seeing Taylor.
Seeing Hardy, Taylor sprang off the bed, ignoring her scant attire, and threw herself at him. "I missed you so much," she said playfully.
"I heard you say that yesterday," Hardy responded with a grin.
"But I've forgotten so much from last night. I need to say it again today. By the way, where did you sleep last night?"
"Next to you," Hardy replied.
Taylor felt a twinge of disappointment. If she hadn't been drunk, things might have been different. She had longed to be with Hardy, but he was always so restrained, waiting until she was 18.
Hardy patted Taylor gently. "Go take a shower. I've called for room service, and I'll head out to buy some clothes for dinner. Your clothes got dirty from the drinks you spilled yesterday."
"Also, we're going to Buckingham Palace this afternoon. Princess Elizabeth invited us for afternoon tea. You can come along," Hardy added.
"Okay," Taylor agreed.
They had breakfast in the hotel room, and afterward, Taylor led Hardy out to the street. Shopping with him was a far happier experience than with Margaret. Taylor flitted from store to store, buying things for both herself and Hardy.
In the afternoon, Hardy and Taylor arrived at Buckingham Palace. Taylor, who had stayed there before, was quite familiar with the surroundings.
In the palace's back garden, Hardy was introduced to Princess Elizabeth. This time, their meeting was more formal. Hardy greeted the princess with a courteous kiss on her hand.
Princess Margaret was present, casting occasional glances at Hardy. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she and Hardy exchanged playful winks.
"Mr. Hardy, it's good to see you again. The last time we met was at the welcoming investment delegation dance party. Five months have flown by," Princess Elizabeth remarked.
"Yes, time certainly does fly," Hardy agreed.
"I heard you made significant investments in Hong Kong. We appreciate your contributions to British territories," Princess Elizabeth said.
"Yes, besides investing in HSBC, I've also established an industrial zone with over 100 companies. We've made other acquisitions as well, totaling around 100 million US dollars," Hardy replied.
The conversation then shifted to the ongoing conflict in the north and the future of Hong Kong. As the discussion continued, Margaret and Taylor sat quietly nearby. Margaret was not particularly interested in the political or economic details being discussed; her focus was entirely on Hardy.
The previous night's excitement had left her craving more experiences beyond the confines of royal expectations. She was eager for more adventures with Hardy.
As the conversation moved to Britain's economic situation, Princess Elizabeth detailed the country's financial struggles. The impact of the wars had left Britain heavily indebted, with severe losses and a significant decline in its global stature.
Elizabeth was keenly aware of the financial difficulties and saw an opportunity in Hardy, a wealthy investor. "Mr. Hardy, have you considered increasing your investment in the UK? There are many worthwhile opportunities here," she suggested.
Hardy smiled. "The Hardy Group's investments are tailored to our interests. Last time I was in the UK with the delegation, we invested in areas that suited us."
Elizabeth continued, "I understand you have your own bank. Would you be interested in purchasing British government bonds? They offer stable returns and are a secure investment."
Hardy wasn't particularly interested in government bonds; he saw them as merely a loan. Major banks, including his own, had already declined similar offers.
"Unfortunately, the Hardy Group isn't interested in buying government bonds or lending at this time," Hardy said.
Elizabeth was disappointed. "Then what are you interested in?"
Margaret, feeling bored, interjected, "What kind of investment are you looking for?"
"Land, if there's any available. I recently bought over a million square kilometers in Australia," Hardy replied. "I'm also investing in land in Hong Kong."
"Are you interested in buying land in the UK?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not necessarily on the mainland, but perhaps in overseas territories. For example, I have an interest in the Cayman Islands. If I could buy them, I'd love to be a governor or something," Hardy said with a smile.
Hardy liked the idea of the Cayman Islands, despite its current obscurity. The islands were a well-known offshore financial center in the future, and he envisioned potential for a casino and tourism development there.
Elizabeth, intrigued, asked, "What would you do with the Cayman Islands?"
"I value its location. I run a casino in Las Vegas, and the Cayman Islands would be a much shorter distance for East Coast clients. Plus, the scenery is beautiful," Hardy explained.
Elizabeth considered the proposal. While the idea of selling the Cayman Islands was unusual, she understood Hardy's vision.
"Mr. Hardy, if you wish to buy the islands, are there any specific conditions? The British Empire does not allow for the fragmentation of its territories," Elizabeth said.
Hardy responded, "I would need complete control. While the islands would remain British territories in name, I would require full jurisdiction, essentially making it an autonomous territory."
Elizabeth was not surprised by Hardy's terms. "When are you planning to return to the United States?"
"If all goes well, I'll head back tonight," Hardy said.
"Perhaps you should wait a bit. I'll discuss your proposal with the Prime Minister and see what the government thinks," Elizabeth suggested.
Hardy's interest was piqued. The idea of purchasing the islands, even as a joke, had become more intriguing.
"Certainly. I'll wait in London for your Highness's update," Hardy agreed.
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