Chapter 331: The Founding of the Island

Hardy's scandal was making waves worldwide, and his women had naturally seen the reports.

After reading the article, Han Yezhen examined the photos closely. Hardy indeed looked right at home among the royalty. Han Yezhen felt a surge of pride seeing her man recognized as a British baron and appointed governor. The island, three times the size of Hong Kong Island, was granted autonomous territory rights, hinting at Hardy's grand ambitions. She could easily envision Hardy turning the Cayman Islands into a flourishing realm.

Jealous? Han Yezhen didn't have time for jealousy; her thoughts were consumed by Hardy. Besides, if she could accept other women, why not a princess?

Ava Gardner, still in Africa wrapping up a film, read about Hardy's scandal in the hotel and found herself impressed. Becoming a British nobleman and a baron with a fief was quite an achievement. The gossip about the princess didn't bother her; she viewed herself as just one of Hardy's women.

Elaine and Marilyn Monroe were equally clear about their status. With Hardy's wealth and influence, marriage seemed improbable, but being his lover was perfectly acceptable. Marriages among prominent families, like those of the Rockefellers or Roosevelts, made strategic sense, but marrying Princess Margaret would be fitting for Hardy.

Among Hardy's women, only Taylor felt jealous. After reading the newspapers, she clung to Hardy, pouting, "You don't want to marry Margaret. She has a terrible temper and body odor."

Hardy chuckled. "And you're very fragrant, I suppose?"

"I'm much more fragrant than she is!"

"Don't you get along with my other girlfriends?"

"Well, they stole my lover. We're enemies."

Hardy playfully pinched Taylor's nose, laughing, "Are you planning to beat up my other girlfriends one by one?"

Taylor's face fell. "I know about Ava, Elaine, and Monroe. But if you and Margaret were serious, you'd have to marry her. I doubt she'd let you keep so many girlfriends, including me."

Taylor's concerns were quite forward-thinking. Hardy smiled, "You were part of the ceremony. The newspaper's stories are pure speculation. I expect the British royal family will clarify things soon."

However, Hardy's prediction was off. Days passed with no statement from the royal family.

---

Buckingham Palace.

Princess Elizabeth was also surprised by the newspaper reports. The photos were clear: her younger sister adjusting Hardy's clothes seemed rather intimate. Elizabeth noted the affection in the pictures but understood that the media often sensationalized such stories.

She decided to discuss the matter with her sister. Entering Princess Margaret's bedroom, she found her reading a book.

Sitting beside her sister, Princess Elizabeth asked softly, "Margaret, have you seen the newspaper reports? They're saying you and Hardy are in love. I'm considering asking the royal family to issue a statement."

Margaret's eyes flashed with uncertainty. "Sister, I do feel something special with Hardy. He's a good person, and I enjoy being with him. But I haven't defined it as anything serious."

Princess Elizabeth was taken aback. She hadn't anticipated that Margaret was genuinely interested in Hardy. 

Elizabeth frowned, "When did this start?"

"It hasn't really started," Margaret replied. "It's just a feeling. We enjoy each other's company, but I haven't pursued it."

Elizabeth, with conservative views, thought Hardy was unsuitable for her sister. Despite obtaining British nationality and a baronial title, he was still an American businessman, not a traditional aristocrat. Elizabeth preferred her sister to marry someone from a well-established noble family.

Elizabeth struggled with her feelings. Her sister's romantic inclinations were a new development. While Hardy might not be an ideal match, she was reluctant to outright refuse her sister's feelings.

After a brief discussion, Elizabeth decided to keep her thoughts private. It was too early to make a definitive statement, and sometimes silence was an acceptable stance.

The royal family's lack of response led to more speculation. Gossip tabloids seized on the ambiguity, reporting that the royal family had tacitly approved of the rumored romance.

As the rumors continued, Hardy had already left Britain for Miami. Before departing, he had instructed Andy to coordinate with the legal and financial teams, and with Lanster, to prepare for their move to the Cayman Islands.

Hardy also hired the largest construction and design company in the U.S. to undertake the monumental task of developing the island, essentially rebuilding a city.

Upon arriving in Miami, Hardy found that his team had secured a large cruise ship. Lanster, accompanied by 300 security personnel led by Neil MacDonald, was ready for the journey. Neil MacDonald, a trusted ally, had once been saved from personal tragedy by Hardy.

The ship docked in the Cayman Islands after two days at sea. The islands, with Grand Cayman being the largest, were known for their stunning beauty and coral reefs. The island's current small population and limited infrastructure were set to undergo significant changes.

Hardy's arrival with a heavily armed security team was designed to assert control and prevent any disruptions. The island's limited police force was no match for the show of force.

As Hardy disembarked, the island's administrator, Jack Rose, greeted him warmly. "Welcome, Governor Hardy. I'm Jack Rose, the island administrator."

"Hello, Rose. Everything looks promising. I'd appreciate a tour of the island to get a sense of the situation," Hardy said.

"Certainly, Governor Hardy. The car is ready," Rose responded.

The island's infrastructure was modest, with Georgetown as the main city and only a few hundred residents scattered elsewhere. Two highways provided decent connectivity, but most buildings were low-rise, designed to withstand hurricanes.

Hardy and his team began their extensive work, preparing to transform the island into a thriving hub from scratch.