The Tyrant Billionaire

Hardy's position as governor was for life.

Hardy smiled and replied, "From now on, I'll be under your jurisdiction."

This was merely a polite remark, as, with the Cayman Islands' status as an autonomous territory, they held a high degree of self-governance, and the British government generally wouldn't interfere.

The U.S. Ambassador to the UK also came forward to congratulate him, smiling as he asked, "Mr. Hardy, I never expected you to become a British baron and gain an autonomous territory. How do you plan to develop the Cayman Islands?"

"I intend to turn them into a tourist destination, and I'm also planning to move the casino business there. In the future, we Americans will have another place to vacation—but don't tell anyone about that," Hardy said in a lowered voice.

The ambassador nodded with a smile.

"Understood, I'll go ahead and wish you success in advance," he said, raising his glass.

"Thank you."

At that moment, a man with an Eastern appearance, dressed in a tailcoat, approached. After respectfully bowing to Hardy, he said, "Mr. Hardy, congratulations on becoming a British baron and Governor of the Cayman Islands. I'm Maeda Ichirō, the Japanese Ambassador to the UK."

"Ambassador Maeda, hello," Hardy replied casually.

"Mr. Hardy, Japan has instructed me to inform you that the business details and investment list you requested have been prepared. I wonder when you plan to visit Japan to provide us with your economic guidance?"

"Send the documents to the U.S. first. I've already enlisted some other financial groups, and we're preparing to head to Japan together. These materials will help them prepare in advance," Hardy replied.

"Understood. I'll notify them to send the documents to the U.S. immediately."

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone prepared for a group photo.

King George VI, Crown Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and many dukes and nobles gathered to take a picture with Hardy.

As Hardy stood in the crowd, Princess Margaret, standing nearby, noticed that the collar of Hardy's jacket had somehow folded inside. Without thinking much of it, she reached out and helped Hardy adjust it, smoothing it down afterward.

Hardy didn't think much of it either.

He had spent considerable time with Princess Margaret lately. During her diplomatic activities, he had often brought Taylor to visit her, and they had long since become friends.

However, to outsiders, this moment seemed quite significant.

The princess personally smoothing Baron Hardy's clothing made their relationship appear anything but ordinary. This moment was also captured by reporters, as an observant photographer quickly pressed the shutter, capturing Princess Margaret fixing Hardy's collar.

Everyone got into position.

Today, Hardy was the main figure, so he stood beside King George VI, with Princess Elizabeth on the other side. Next to Princess Elizabeth was her husband, Prince Philip, while Princess Margaret stood beside Hardy.

The other nobles stood farther out.

"Click!"

The photographer pressed the shutter, freezing the moment.

From that moment on, the world's first "Baron Hardy of the Cayman Islands" was officially born. No one yet knew what changes this future Governor of the Cayman Islands would bring to the world.

The UK's largest newspaper, The Times, reported on Hardy being conferred the title of Baron of the British Empire and Governor of the Cayman Islands.

Not only that, it made the front-page headline.

The article covered Hardy's investments in Britain over the years, including his investments in domestic shipping, luxury goods, and the news industry.

It also mentioned his large scale investments in Hong Kong.

In addition, it highlighted Hardy's recent support of the British government by purchasing a large amount of government bonds and providing loans. In recognition of his contributions to Britain, he was awarded the title and granted a fiefdom.

Below this was a large photograph of Hardy standing with members of the royal family and nobility, with the baronial badge pinned to his chest.

It wasn't just The Times; newspapers in Italy, France, the United States, and other countries also reported on the event.

This was an excellent promotion for Britain.

However, one newspaper's angle was particularly unusual—The New York Times, one of the largest newspapers in the world, with branches around the globe.

In today's edition, not only did they report on Hardy's knighthood and publish a photograph of him standing with the royal family, but they also featured two other photos.

In the first photo,

Hardy stood there as Princess Margaret helped him straighten the corner of his suit jacket. By looking at their clothes, it was clear that this moment took place before the royal group photo was taken.

In the second photo, Hardy and Princess Margaret exchanged a smile, looking close and natural. In this image, only Princess Margaret's profile was visible, but she smiled so beautifully that anyone could tell she was genuinely happy.

But that wasn't the main point.

The main point was the accompanying text.

"Americans all know that Mr. Hardy is the head of the Hardy Group, a newly risen American billionaire with assets worth billions, and one of the largest media moguls in the United States.

"A reporter was fortunate enough to attend Mr. Hardy's knighthood ceremony. After receiving the Order of Henry VI, the royal family members prepared to take a photo with Mr. Hardy. At that moment, Princess Margaret noticed that Mr. Hardy's jacket corner was tucked inside."

"The princess naturally helped Mr. Hardy adjust his jacket, carefully smoothing it after fixing the fold. Throughout, Mr. Hardy remained completely at ease, and after the princess finished, Mr. Hardy thanked her, and the two exchanged a smile."

"Mr. Hardy's and Princess Margaret's actions couldn't help but spark people's imagination."

"The way Princess Margaret helped Mr. Hardy straighten his jacket was so natural, and Mr. Hardy's acceptance of it was equally casual. This indicates that they've had frequent contact like this, to the point where such gestures are second nature. They didn't overthink it at the time—it was just an instinctive action."

"Precisely because of this, it raises further questions. The reporter even speculates: are they already in a romantic relationship?!"