Chapter 387: The Birth of a Fallen Girl

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A passenger plane touched down at Washington Airport, greeted by a throng of reporters, diplomats, and celebrities. Among the welcoming party stood Hardy, positioned prominently in the crowd.

As the hatch opened, Princess Margaret descended the escalator, waving gracefully. Dressed in a flowing white gown with a delicate crown and a mink shawl, her attire showcased her elegance. Hardy noted with a hint of amusement that the princess had matured since their last encounter.

The flash of cameras was relentless as the reporters snapped photos of the princess. As she reached the ground, an American diplomat stepped forward to welcome her warmly. Princess Margaret responded with a graceful nod and a polite "Thank you."

The officials introduced the attendees, and when Hardy extended his hand, Margaret greeted him with a courteous "Hello, Baron Hardy." Hardy, in turn, kissed her hand, remarking, "Welcome to the United States. The princess seems even more beautiful than before."

Margaret smiled at the compliment, appreciating the warmth of Hardy's reception. Following this, she and her entourage were escorted to their hotel. Upon arrival, an official informed Margaret of President Johnson's eagerness to meet with her, scheduling a dinner at the White House for the following night.

Margaret expressed her gratitude and then asked if Hardy could stay for a private chat. He agreed, and soon they were alone in her hotel room, with coffee served by a servant.

Margaret wasted no time, explaining her dual objectives for the visit: securing an extension on loan repayments and seeking additional aid. She hoped Hardy could assist in persuading President Johnson to accommodate these requests.

Hardy, aware of the significant debt burden Britain faced from WWII and the strained US-UK relations, acknowledged the difficulty of the task. He admitted that while he could relay the request to President Johnson, he couldn't guarantee success.

Margaret understood and thanked him before he took his leave. Once alone, she exhaled with relief, feeling the weight of her royal persona lift as she relaxed into more casual attire.

In her hotel bedroom, Margaret turned on the TV, eager to explore American television. She tuned into ABC, Hardy's network, and was immediately captivated by an Estee Lauder advertisement. Intrigued by the engaging content, she continued watching, delighted by the rich variety of American TV programming.

The TV series "The Great Mrs. Maisel" caught her attention next. The show, which had gained widespread popularity, depicted a housewife's journey from marital breakdown to personal triumph. Margaret found the drama compelling and was drawn into the narrative, eager to follow the protagonist's story.

Margaret, who had been intrigued by American television's quality and variety, also explored other channels, comparing them to British programming. She found American TV generally superior, especially praising the offerings on ABC.

Her exploration led her to the Las Vegas TV station, where she was mesmerized by the live horse racing and gambling promotions. Fascinated by the concept of betting via TV, she decided to try her hand at it.

Margaret contacted the station to open a betting account and deposited $20,000, her personal funds. Although she had a modest monthly allowance, she was drawn to the thrill of betting and the luxurious lifestyle promoted by the Las Vegas casino.

She placed several bets, initially on lottery draws and then on horse races. Despite a few wins, most of her attempts were unsuccessful, and she found herself increasingly absorbed by the betting activities.

As the evening progressed, Margaret's excitement grew, especially when she won a horse race bet. Her exhilaration was palpable, and she bounced on her bed in joy. However, as the night wore on, she continued betting, eventually depleting her account to just over $200 by the early morning.

Exhausted, Margaret fell asleep, having been lured into the captivating world of American entertainment and gambling. The princess, once a symbol of regal composure, had succumbed to the temptations of Hardy's financial empire in just one day.