The Tyrant Billionaire

Some even published their opinions in newspapers, sparking a wave of unease among Japanese investors.

However, the major investment companies remained calm, issuing statements expressing their confidence in the company. They claimed to have sent representatives to Africa to inspect the trials, assuring everyone that there was no risk.

Indeed, Hans Biopharmaceutical's performance didn't disappoint. News trickled in from Africa about the successful Phase III trials, which were soon to conclude before transitioning to trials in the U.S.

With these updates, Hans Biopharmaceutical's stock price continued to rise steadily.

During this period, Andy arranged for the gradual liquidation of circulating shares, which accounted for 30% of the company's total stock. These shares were slowly absorbed by several financial firms.

At this point, Hardy had sold off all his shares in Hans Biopharmaceutical.

Andy tallied the numbers: Hardy's net profit from the entire operation amounted to $380 million—a return on two years of meticulous planning.

Using other people's money to invest in his own company, Hardy had funneled the profits neatly into his pocket. As for the losses borne by the investment firms, that was simply a matter of their investors' funds.

To financial institutions, investors were nothing more than "sheeps to be slaughtered."

In essence, all the funds came from Hardy, funneled through Wells Fargo. Since the Japanese had no liquid cash, their collateral consisted of antiques, gold, real estate, and land.

Hans Biopharmaceutical hadn't collapsed yet, so their assets remained intact—for now. But Hardy knew the crash was inevitable.

The outcome would depend entirely on Japan's capacity to withstand the fallout.

One day, Hardy was reviewing the Cayman Islands' financial statements. Despite being under construction, the islands had, over the past year, gradually emerged as a haven for offshore companies and tax evasion. Many companies had already established branches there.

Of course there were undoubtedly money-laundering operations as well.

Wells Fargo had attracted a significant influx of deposits through the Cayman Islands branch. Unlike its U.S. counterpart, Wells Fargo in the Cayman Islands offered no interest on deposits; instead, clients were required to pay annual management fees.

Some Swiss banks operated similarly.

Yet, despite these conditions, many people chose to deposit their money in Cayman Wells Fargo. The nature of these funds was, needless to say, dubious, but there were also legitimate sources of clean money, particularly from older individuals, as the Cayman Islands had no inheritance taxes.

Just then, Hardy's secretary knocked and entered, saying, "Boss, we've received a telegram from the UK."

"A telegram from the UK?" Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire

Hardy was curious about who in the UK would contact him.

Taking the telegram, he saw it was from Margaret.

"I'm Margaret. I'm planning to visit the United States soon. You once promised that if I came to America, you'd show me the sights. Does your promise still stand?"

Reading the telegram, Hardy recalled the feisty British girl. To be honest, he'd nearly forgotten about her. Hardy had no shortage of women, nor was he particularly interested in getting tangled with the British royal family—too much formality and complexity.

Unexpectedly, she hadn't forgotten him and even reached out before her visit to America.

Should he meet her?Hardy's thoughts shifted to Southeast Asia. His plans there were just exploratory, and their success or failure didn't matter much. However, the opportunity to connect with the British royal family could be useful, a chance worth exploring.

"Send a telegram back," Hardy instructed. "Tell her I'll absolutely keep my promise and will gladly accompany Princess Margaret to explore America."

The secretary quickly sent the reply.

The British side received the telegram shortly thereafter.

Princess Margaret handed it to her sister, Princess Elizabeth. "Sister, Hardy agreed."

Elizabeth read the message and told Margaret, "This trip is primarily to pave the way and send signals. Hardy is close to President Johnson, so perhaps he can put in a word for us to delay the repayment of our loans."

Margaret nodded. "I understand, sister."

Margaret's visit to America had clear political objectives. During World War II, Britain had borrowed significant sums from the U.S. After the war ended in 1945, Britain borrowed even more.

These two loans totaled an astronomical $22.6 billion.

This figure didn't even include the funds and resources provided under the Marshall Plan.

According to the original agreement, repayments were to begin in 1950. Including principal and interest, Britain owed over $500 million annually, a repayment plan stretching over 40–50 years. Even so, the $500 million yearly payment was a heavy burden for Britain.

Britain's economy hadn't yet recovered. Last year, they managed to make the first $500 million payment, but this year, the government was already struggling to find the funds. Knowing they couldn't meet the payment, the British government planned to negotiate with the U.S. for a delay.

Recent minor tensions between Britain and the U.S. made the British Prime Minister consider using the royal family as intermediaries to ease relations and test the waters. Initially, Princess Elizabeth intended to go herself, but it was deemed unwise to risk the crown princess's dignity if the U.S. rejected the request. Thus, the task fell to Princess Margaret, who could act as a discreet envoy.

Upon receiving the assignment, Margaret's first thought was of Hardy.

He had promised to host her in America, and she thought this connection could serve her mission well. However, she couldn't tell her sister about this personal motive.

How could she ensure Hardy would accompany her openly? Margaret, sharp as ever, devised a plan.

Hardy's reputation as a wealthy businessman with close ties to President Johnson was well known. Moreover, Hardy held the title of British Baron and Governor of the Cayman Islands, making him an ideal intermediary.

Margaret pitched her idea to Elizabeth, who found it sensible. However, the royal family couldn't issue formal orders, they had to rely on Margaret's personal rapport with Hardy. Hence the earlier telegram.

After reading the telegram, Elizabeth looked at her sister and reminded her, "When you arrive in America, no mischief. Follow royal protocol at all times, understood?"

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