Chapter 406: Someone Robbed Hardy’s Property

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After the royal banquet, as the guests departed, Hardy and Margaret shared a private moment. Margaret leaned in, whispering in Hardy's ear:

"Don't go back yet. I'll find you."

Hardy gave a subtle nod, acknowledging her request.

He slept late into the morning, waking to a knock at his hotel room door. When he opened it, a woman in a coat and scarf, obscuring her face, stood there. Despite the disguise, Hardy instantly recognized Margaret.

"How did you get out?" Hardy asked as he let her in.

"I said I'd find some friends to play with," Margaret replied with a grin.

Hardy took her cold hand, warming it with his own. As they embraced, Margaret's lips were a touch chilly, prompting Hardy to warm them with his enthusiasm.

After more than an hour of shared intimacy, Margaret, feeling the sting of impending separation, spoke with a hint of sadness. 

"I really don't want you to leave. I'm afraid we won't see each other for months."

Though they could find excuses to meet in Cayman or other locations, the brief encounters would only be fleeting. It was this fleeting nature that made their time together feel more precious.

"How about visiting Hong Kong in a few months, or even Penang and Malacca? They're British territories after all," Margaret suggested.

"That sounds like a good idea," Hardy agreed.

They planned their next meeting, their parting made easier by the promise of future reunions.

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Back in the United States, March arrived, bringing with it the annual Oscars Day. This year, Hollywood seemed more vibrant than the last, recovering its former glory after Hardy's intervention and his removal of McKinsey.

Though Monroe's performance in *Seven Year Itch* was popular and profitable, it didn't meet the artistic standards for Best Actress. Hepburn, however, had entered the competition with her role in *Roman Holiday*—a debut performance that was making waves.

As the awards ceremony unfolded, the presenter announced:

"This year's Oscar for Best Actress goes to Audrey Hepburn for *Roman Holiday*."

The audience erupted in applause. Hepburn, though prepared, trembled with excitement. She hugged Hardy, her mentor, as she made her way to the stage.

In a stunning white evening gown with a pearl necklace and headpiece, Hepburn accepted the award with gratitude. 

"The first person I want to thank is Mr. Hardy. He discovered me and gave me the opportunity to step onto the big screen..."

Many women in the audience envied Hepburn, wishing for a similar chance to shine.

That night, Hardy stayed at Hepburn's new home, where the softness and elasticity of her attire hinted at an indulgent luxury.

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Meanwhile, Hardy was busy managing his business empire. His large land acquisitions in Australia had led to the discovery of significant mineral resources. Hardy Mining's stock soared as it began developing these assets, partnering with major mining companies to become a global giant.

Hardy's supermarket chain had expanded to over twenty locations in the U.S., with plans to reach one hundred by summer. His fast-food, Chinese restaurants, and coffee shops had also rapidly rolled out through franchising.

Just as Hardy was preparing for new ventures, he received troubling news from Penang. A Malayan faction had seized assets from one of Hardy's Chinese companies and killed several family members.

Shocked, Hardy immediately flew to Penang in a B-29 bomber. Upon arrival, he gathered the local officials and was briefed on the situation.

"It's the Huang family in Johor," the economic secretary reported. "Their plantations and processing companies are being harassed by Malays, who are now demanding they sell at rock-bottom prices or face violence."

"Three days ago, clashes erupted. The Malays initially gathered a few hundred people and attacked. Despite resistance from the Chinese workers, the situation worsened when local military police intervened, resulting in casualties and arrests."

Huang Xinnian, the only family member who escaped, had sought help from the Hardy Group in Malacca.

Hardy, visibly composed, instructed his aides:

"I will handle this personally. Have Bill Reese and Lance Bean come to see me—sooner rather than later."

The room buzzed with speculation. The Penang base had a modest force of 1,500 marines, with an additional 1,500 available if some ships were sacrificed. Singapore's base could provide ten aircraft.

The directors, eager for action, left to prepare for the upcoming operation.

Smith, Hardy's shrewd intelligence officer, received specific instructions. After Smith departed, Hardy sent his secretary to meet with Huang Xinnian.

The secretary arrived at Huang Xinnian's hotel and presented a contract for HD Security's services. The cost: $200,000. The agreement would ensure rescue efforts without political involvement, and Huang Xinnian signed immediately.

The secretary then departed, leaving Huang Xinnian with a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil.

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As Hardy strategized, the situation in Penang remained dire, but his decisive actions promised a powerful response to the crisis unfolding in Johor.