Chapter 325: Happiness Cures Depression

The nightclub buzzed with increasing energy.

Henry and his team stationed themselves throughout the venue to ensure Hardy's safety, while MI6 agents dispersed to protect Princess Margaret.

Both sides were aware of each other's presence, creating a tense atmosphere as Henry and the MI6 officer exchanged cold, measured glances.

---

"Wow~~~ I won!" 

Margaret and Taylor cheered, jumping up and down with their winning tickets in hand.

They had bet on a boxer who knocked his opponent down with a single punch, ensuring their victory. The opponent didn't recover, and the bet had paid off handsomely.

Having left their old clothes and bags at the shop, the two had wagered £3,000 on the match. Despite the high odds and skepticism surrounding their choice, their luck was extraordinary. They won £10,500, and their excitement was palpable.

The money was quickly collected from the casino, drawing envious glances from many onlookers.

Naturally, some were more than just envious.

Back at their table, Margaret, slightly tipsy, felt her spirits lifted. The oppressive atmosphere of royal life had weighed heavily on her, exacerbated by her parents' overindulgence. This night of freedom and excitement was the release she had longed for.

Hardy, also a bit drunk, had shed his jacket and suit, now dressed casually in a white shirt with sleeves rolled up. Margaret leaned close to him, whispering in his ear, "You know, I've always wanted to experience this kind of unrestrained indulgence. Thank you for making it happen."

Hardy looked at Margaret, whose cheeks were flushed with alcohol and excitement. Despite her rebellious nature, she was charming.

"I want to remind you that while occasional indulgence can be a good release, it's not a sustainable way of life," he advised.

Margaret pouted. "But I hate the constraints of court life."

Hardy nodded. "Everyone has their role. Indulgence is fine now and then, but fulfilling one's responsibilities is crucial. This kind of hedonism isn't a permanent solution."

Margaret turned to Hardy with a playful smile. "How about you kidnap me every now and then?"

Hardy chuckled. "You're quite the handful. I'm busy, you know. I can't spend all my time indulging you."

Margaret laughed and took a swig from her beer bottle. "To make up for it, I'll just drink more."

She proceeded to spray beer playfully at Hardy and Taylor. Taylor squealed as the beer hit her.

The two girls were having a blast, their clothes soaked in beer. Hardy observed with a bemused smile, noting that their antics were drawing considerable attention.

---

At a nearby table, a group of gangsters, who had been eyeing the girls from the start, saw their chance. They stood up and approached Hardy's table, ignoring him and confronting Margaret.

"Hey, you got our clothes wet. How are you going to compensate us?" one of the gangsters demanded.

Margaret, startled, sought refuge behind Hardy. Taylor's eyes widened in concern.

"Our clothes, shoes—they're expensive designer items. You owe us at least £10,000," the gangster continued.

Hardy assessed the situation. It was clear the gangsters were targeting the money the girls had won. He snapped his fingers, summoning his security team. Within moments, the gangsters found themselves surrounded and quickly subdued.

The gangsters were dragged outside and dealt with, ensuring they wouldn't ruin the evening.

With the threat eliminated, Hardy, Margaret, and Taylor continued their celebration. As the night wore on, the group grew more inebriated. Margaret lay sprawled on a sofa, mumbling incoherently, while Taylor had fallen asleep.

Hardy, though tired, managed to carry both girls to his car. Despite their weight, his strength made the task manageable. He drove them to the hotel, checked them in, and then retired to his own room.

He helped Taylor out of her clothes and into bed, leaving her in a light coverlet. Then he took a quick shower, changed into shorts, and went to bed himself.

---

The next morning, Margaret woke in her own room, reflecting on the previous night's adventures. The indulgence and liberation she experienced had made the constraints of royal life seem a bit lighter today.

Smiling at the memory of the previous night, she prepared herself for the day.

As she walked through the long corridor, she encountered the handsome middle-aged guard she had admired before. However, today she felt indifferent. Her feelings had shifted.

In the dining room, she joined Princess Elizabeth for breakfast. The elder sister noticed Margaret's cheerful demeanor and asked, "You seem to be in a great mood today."

"Yes, maybe it's just the good weather," Margaret replied, enjoying her meal.

"You were quite drunk yesterday," Elizabeth remarked.

Margaret grinned mischievously. "Oh, sister, don't blame me. Jon Hardy kidnapped me, and I was scared out of my wits!"

Elizabeth knew the full story: Margaret had orchestrated the prank that led to Hardy's intervention. It had all been a set-up.

"I've scheduled tea with Mr. Hardy this afternoon," Elizabeth said.

Margaret raised an eyebrow. "You should definitely have a word with him. Kidnapping a British princess is unacceptable."

Elizabeth shook her head, both amused and exasperated. "Would you like to join me for tea with Mr. Hardy?"

"Sure," Margaret agreed eagerly.

Elizabeth sighed, ready for the encounter.