The Tyrant Billionaire

And Johnson still had four years left in his term, which would undoubtedly provide more opportunities for Hardy's business.

"So, Hardy, which party do you think will win the next election?" David asked.

Without much hesitation, Hardy said, "I believe the Republicans have a better chance."

"Why?"

"Because this term was supposed to belong to the Republicans. Johnson's victory was an anomaly."

David burst into laughter.

Hardy's statement wasn't wrong—Johnson's win had indeed been an unexpected result.

"So, will you support the Republicans next time?" David asked again.

"Why not? If there's a profitable investment, why invest in the losing side? That goes against our principles, wouldn't you agree?" Hardy said with a smile.

David chuckled. "Then for the next presidential election, shall we work together?"

"Of course."

Here were two businessmen, sitting in England, discussing who should be the next president of the United States and which party would control the next four years.

This world is just so magical.

In fact, compared to the benefits gained from this inspection tour, Hardy's newfound friendship with David Rockefeller was far more valuable than earning an extra few billion dollars.

Now that they were connected by mutual interests, Hardy could tap into the power of the Rockefeller family in many ways moving forward.

Just a few days ago, both the aid group and the inspection& investment tour had received an invitation from the British royal family for a grand banquet at Buckingham Palace to formally welcome the inspection& investment group.

Hardy thought to himself...

The inspection& investment group had been in England for more than half a month, yet the British royal family had been slow to act.

Today was finally the day of the banquet.

The weather in London during January was always gloomy, which reminded Hardy of scenes from Sherlock Holmes and Watson, featuring the streets of London.

Wet cobblestone streets.

Dim streetlights.

Fleeting shadows.

Alright,

These were the kinds of thoughts Hardy entertained as he sat in the car on his way to Buckingham Palace, observing the scenery along the streets.

London's daytime temperature was only about three to five degrees Celsius. People wore thick clothing, including winter coats and even cotton gloves when they went outside.

Today, however, Hardy wore a sharp suit with a tailored wool coat, making his posture appear even more upright.

This outfit had been designed especially for him by a designer at Zegna. Knowing that Hardy was in England, they had mailed the suit to him from Italy.

There were more than fifty members of the aid and inspection groups. Though Hardy was young, he was qualified to walk at the front of the procession, followed by various CEOs and heads from the Citibank, Rockefeller, and California financial groups.

Accompanying them were the British Prime Minister, cabinet members, ministers from various departments, as well as many British aristocrats, ladies, and young women.

As Hardy and the group entered Buckingham Palace, these people stood on either side, applauding their arrival. Many of the nobles began to size up the members of the aid group, especially Hardy, who became the focus of much attention because of how young he was yet walking at the very front.

In the grand banquet hall,

Everyone took their seats at the long table.

King George VI said only a few brief words, leaving the rest of the welcoming speech to Princess Elizabeth.

George VI had a stutter, which made him reluctant to give speeches. However, he did deliver one memorable address: his pre-World War II mobilization speech, later known as "The King's Speech," which was adapted into a Hollywood movie of the same name.

But Hardy knew that King George VI was, in fact, a rather unfortunate monarch. Originally, he had been the king of the British Empire's dominions and Emperor of India. However, in 1947, India and Pakistan declared independence, and in 1948, Ireland completely left the Commonwealth, reducing his title to simply Head of the Commonwealth.

The British royal family actually held little power.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

The King of England was merely a ceremonial figurehead and commander in chief of the military. His real power had been ceded to the Prime Minister and Parliament as far back as 1689, under the Bill of Rights. Sometimes, however, they would bring out this "mascot" to rally the people.

Moreover, he had been plagued by illness throughout his life. It was rumored that he already had lung cancer, and historically, he had only about two years left to live. As a result, most royal activities were now handled by Princess Elizabeth.

Hardy glanced at Princess Elizabeth, who was giving the speech. The future longest-reigning queen of Britain was, at this time, a beautiful young woman, newly married, and only 22 years old.

The handsome man sitting upright beside her must be her husband, Prince Philip. He, too, looked very young.

On Elizabeth's other side was—

As Hardy turned his gaze, he noticed a younger girl sitting beside Princess Elizabeth. She was staring directly at him with a somewhat hostile expression. As Hardy was one of the main guests, he was seated closer to the front and had a clear view.

This girl—?

After a brief moment of thought, Hardy realized that this must be Princess Margaret, George VI's other daughter.

One had to admit, she was easily the most beautiful member of the British royal family, with her short, dark blonde hair, fair skin, and youthful beauty. Her looks and poise could easily rival those of Ava Gardner or Elizabeth Taylor.

Though, admittedly, her chest was a bit small.

She was four years younger than Princess Elizabeth and had just turned 18.

This princess was something of a legend.

Willful!

Rebellious!

Even a little eccentric!

She was indeed very beautiful.

However, it was obvious she was a spoiled child who did things her own way without much regard for consequences. It was said that later in life, she had a scandalous romance with a royal servant named Peter Townsend, causing quite a stir. Hardy wondered if she had already started seeing him.

Amused by this bit of gossip, Hardy let out a soft chuckle.

Suddenly, Princess Margaret shot Hardy a glare, rolling her eyes at him, catching him off guard.

What was this girl's problem? Why did she seem to have an attitude towards him?