Chapter 328: Hardy's Financial Empire Beckons

"Mr. Hardy, to secure the management rights of the Cayman Islands, you must become a British citizen. Our proposal is for you to join the United Kingdom and acquire British citizenship. The King will then grant you a knighthood and appoint you as the Governor of the Cayman Islands. This arrangement would be entirely legal," Minister Lambert explained.

Hardy paused, contemplating the implications of acquiring British citizenship. His primary concern was his American citizenship, as his business interests are primarily based in the United States. Changing his nationality could complicate things.

"Is dual citizenship an option?" Hardy inquired.

"Certainly. The issue is that foreigners cannot be formally awarded a knighthood, only an honorary one. Honorary knighthoods are not suitable for managing a fiefdom, so British citizenship is required," Minister Lambert clarified.

Hardy pondered this. He was unsure how dual citizenship might impact him, particularly in financial terms. If it involved significant complications, he might reconsider.

"I need to discuss the nationality issue with my team. The Hardy Group is not solely my concern; it involves multiple stakeholders. Also, what exactly are the terms for acquiring the Cayman Islands?" Hardy asked.

Minister Lambert smiled. "The King's grant is not a sale but a bestowal."

This statement reminded Hardy of the intricacies of such an arrangement. While the term "bestowal" implied a gift rather than a purchase, it could sometimes be more costly than a straightforward transaction.

"Let's discuss the conditions, Minister Lambert," Hardy said.

"The government requests that Wells Fargo provide the UK with a loan of $100 million and purchase $100 million worth of 5-year treasury bonds," Minister Lambert proposed.

Hardy found the terms excessive.

"Considering the normal price of such an island is between $10 to $20 million, your asking price seems inflated. I believe the King's grant should not involve such high costs. We need a formal sale contract with the British government," Hardy said.

Minister Lambert considered this. "That should be feasible."

"Also, the price you proposed is too high. A $100 million loan and $100 million in treasury bonds could potentially double my profits in five years. The Cayman Islands are not worth $200 million."

The two parties agreed to revisit the price discussion later. The meeting served as a preliminary negotiation, with further details to be hammered out. After parting from Minister Lambert, Hardy sent a telegram to the U.S. to have Andy and the financial and legal teams come over.

This was a significant deal.

Two days later, Andy arrived in the UK with the team. In their hotel room, Hardy briefed Andy and the lawyers on the situation.

"If I acquire dual citizenship, will it have any negative impact?" Hardy asked.

The lawyer responded, "British citizenship won't affect you politically. Both countries recognize dual citizenship, but there may be some tax implications."

"Will there be double taxation?" Hardy asked.

"Most taxes are based on where income is earned. However, certain special taxes might lead to double taxation issues, but these can often be managed," the lawyer explained.

"Alright, that's manageable."

After dismissing the lawyer, Hardy and Andy were left alone. Andy asked, "Boss, why the sudden interest in buying a Caribbean island? What's your plan?"

Hardy poured a glass of wine for Andy and smiled. "Imagine opening a casino, establishing a tourist area, and running an autonomous territory."

Andy scrutinized Hardy. "I sense there's more to your plan."

Hardy chuckled and took a sip of wine. 

"Having full control over the island means more than just running a casino. We could use it as a base for our security operations, build a strong armed force, and even develop it into a money-laundering hub. The autonomy would allow us to manage financial transactions with fewer restrictions," Hardy explained.

He envisioned turning the Cayman Islands into a future offshore paradise. In the future, the island would host numerous banks, registered companies, and trillions of dollars in capital. It could become a significant center for financial manipulation, drug transactions, and smuggling operations.

"If Wells Fargo sets up on the island, the money stays in circulation within the bank, under our control. It's a powerful financial tool," Hardy said.

Andy was astounded. He hadn't anticipated such a grand plan involving financial control, tax avoidance, and money laundering.

"This is a long-term vision. Achieving it will take decades. For now, the immediate goal is to acquire the Cayman Islands at the lowest possible cost," Hardy said.

He added, "I plan to invest in Japan next, which will require significant capital. I can't deplete our British resources entirely."

The UK Minister of Finance reported to Prime Minister Attlee, and the two sides reached a preliminary agreement. The negotiation was now in Andy's hands.

Over the next few days, Andy and his team worked on drafting negotiation outlines, covering issues such as island ownership, land rights, and legal autonomy.

The formal negotiations began. Hardy remained unconcerned with the details, focusing on securing the best deal.

Meanwhile, Princess Margaret had invited Hardy and Taylor to the Royal Ranch Manor outside London for a day of horseback riding and hunting. The expansive estate provided an ideal setting for outdoor activities.

Both Hardy and Taylor were dressed in outdoor attire. Hardy carried a revolver for personal defense and a luxury James Purdey & Sons shotgun.

During the ride, Margaret showed off her equestrian skills, but Hardy kept pace with Taylor to ensure safety.

Suddenly, a scream pierced the air. Hardy, alarmed, instructed Taylor to stay put and spurred his horse toward the sound.

Margaret was found sitting on the ground, her horse having bolted. A black bear had appeared on the dirt road, causing her horse to panic and throw her off.

Margaret recounted the incident, and Hardy, finding humor in the situation, helped her mount his horse and return to Taylor. Margaret's ankle was injured but not severely.

As Hardy held Margaret, she felt a peculiar sense of comfort, even affection, from being in his arms.

Back at Taylor's side, Margaret leaned against Hardy, and Taylor, concerned, asked about her condition. Hardy explained the situation and assured that Margaret was injured but would recover in about two weeks.

Margaret then asked Hardy about his plans involving the Cayman Islands and his potential British citizenship.

"Dual nationality," Hardy confirmed.

Margaret playfully suggested making him a knight, but Hardy explained that titles required a baron or higher rank, which would involve his father granting the title.

After returning to the palace, a doctor confirmed Margaret's injury as a sprain that would take about two weeks to heal.

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Two days later, negotiations reached a conclusion. Hardy was granted British nationality, a baronial title, and the governorship of the Cayman Islands. The island would be Hardy's fief, with full autonomy.

The deal included purchasing island land for $10 million, buying $60 million in British government bonds, and a $50 million loan to the Bank of Scotland at normal interest.

For the UK, this transaction was a profitable exchange. For Hardy, it was a significant gain. The real value lay in the Cayman Islands' autonomy, enabling him to exploit its potential fully.

Hardy was exhilarated, feeling that his financial empire was on the horizon.