Chapter 390: Business, Just the Problem of More Money and Less Money

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**Afternoon,**

Hardy took Margaret and Taylor to the racecourse. The facility hosts two races daily and spans 300,000 square meters, with stands for 80,000 spectators. It features over two hundred horses and is known for its clay surface, which suits the dry climate of Las Vegas and adds to the racing experience.

Hardy and his companions each had their mounts: Hardy rode a tall black horse, Taylor a pure white mare, and Margaret chose a brown racehorse. After two laps, Margaret suggested a race. To everyone's surprise, she won.

Hardy, annoyed at his loss, found himself having to fulfill a bet: a shopping spree at the casino shopping street. Margaret was excited, and Hardy suspected she had been planning this all along.

The shopping began at the Venetian shopping street, where Margaret and Taylor went on a spending spree, buying clothes, shoes, bags, perfumes, cosmetics, and even swimsuits. By the end of the day, dozens of waiters were carrying their purchases, which filled an entire room.

The extravagance drew attention, with many curious about the sheer volume of luxury items bought. Hardy, accustomed to such displays, had no choice but to accompany them. As the day ended, the women wanted to continue their revelry at a disco. Both drank heavily, danced wildly, and, by night's end, were quite drunk.

Margaret, in a drunken state, hugged Hardy and kissed him passionately before continuing to dance. Hardy, though surprised, saw it as part of the evening's carefree atmosphere.

The next morning, Margaret awoke with a hangover. She reflected on the previous night's kiss and was both excited and embarrassed. She had to return to her royal duties soon but wanted to use her time wisely.

She received a telegram from her sister, Princess Elizabeth, outlining an opportunity for Hardy. The British government was willing to sell Penang and Malacca, with Hardy granted governor status, in exchange for a $500 million purchase of British government bonds. Elizabeth needed Margaret to facilitate this deal.

Margaret saw this as a chance to stay longer and delay her return. She contacted Hardy to discuss the offer. Hardy, while interested in Southeast Asia, felt that Penang and Malacca were less desirable compared to Singapore. He was willing to consider the deal if Singapore was included.

Margaret swiftly telegraphed her sister to negotiate for Singapore as well. The simplicity of the negotiation, driven by Margaret's straightforward approach, surprised Hardy. The British government, facing a financial crunch, would need to deliberate carefully on the offer.

Meanwhile, Margaret continued her visit in Los Angeles, engaging in public appearances and promoting cooperation between the UK and the US. She expressed admiration for the US's development and hinted at future collaboration.

When asked about her upcoming visits, she mentioned plans to visit the Cayman Islands, which Hardy had described as a future luxury hub. Hardy had shared his vision for transforming the Cayman Islands into a major global financial and luxury destination, including a jewelry processing center and extensive tax-free zones.

With her public engagements complete, Margaret prepared to travel to the Cayman Islands with Hardy. They would then head to the UK to discuss the Malayan colony transaction with the British Prime Minister. Hardy remained optimistic about the deal, believing it was ultimately a question of negotiating the right price.