"Your Highness, do you think Hardy would actually buy them? The situation there is unstable, and no one can predict the future. There's a real risk he could lose his investnt," the Pri Minister said.
Princess Elizabeth shook her head.
"I'm more concerned about the economic impact of overdue national bonds on Britain. If we default, the pound's credibility within the International Monetary Fund will drop several levels. It would take imnse sacrifices to recover."
"Hardy has the funds we need. Selling the Malaisien colonies to him in exchange for a long-term loan could work. He's already the governor of the Cayman Islands—what difference does it make if he also becos the governor of Singapore?"
The Pri Minister, who had been fretting over the lack of funds, was visibly worn down. Two days earlier, he'd learned that the U.S. wouldn't offer a loan, leaving him in despair.
"Your Highness, my suggestion is to retain Singapore. This will preserve our influence over Malaisie."
Britain's colonial presence in Malaisie had always centered on Singapore, initially occupied for mariti convenience. The current governor's residence was located there.
"Penang and Malacca can be ceded under terms similar to the Cayman Islands—complete autonomy. This would give Hardy the security to build his port. As for the loan, I propose $500 million over ten years at a low interest rate," the Pri Minister stated.
With $500 million, Britain could not only resolve its national bond crisis but also allocate funds for dostic developnt.
"Five hundred million—isn't that too high? Will he agree?"
"We can try."
"Alright, I'll send a telegram to Margaret to discuss the proposal with Hardy and see if he's willing to accept the deal."
...
In the afternoon, Hardy, along with Margaret and Taylor, arrived at the racetrack. The racetrack now held two races every day. Covering an expansive area of 300,000 square ters, it boasted a grandstand that could accommodate 80,000 spectators.
The facility was well-equipped and ho to over 200 well-bred horses.
This racetrack featured a red clay track. Las Vegas's arid climate, combined with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, made grass maintenance prohibitively expensive. Additionally, the sight of horses kicking up red dust as they ran lent a unique charm to the track, becoming its defining feature.
Hardy had his own exclusive steed at the racetrack, as did his won. At this mont, Hardy was astride a tall, black stallion, while Taylor rode a pure white mare.
Margaret, lacking a personal horse, selected a chestnut racehorse. The three of them galloped around the track for two laps before Margaret proposed a race.
The result?
Margaret won.
Taylor's loss was expected, but Hardy felt sowhat frustrated at being beaten. A grown man losing to Margaret—it didn't sit well with him.
As if that weren't enough, this race ca with a wager.
Hardy owed Margaret a promise—specifically, a shopping spree card for the casino's shopping district, colloquially referred to as the "Take-Whatever-You-Want-Hardy-Will-Pay Card."
The bet had been Margaret's idea. Hardy strongly suspected she had planned this in advance, lying in wait to trap him.
After her victory, Margaret, full of excitent, jumped up in triumph. She didn't even bother with her horse, pulling Taylor along as she left.
"Hey, where are you two going?" Hardy called out.
"Shopping! Last ti we explored the Caesar's Palace shopping district; this ti, we're heading to the Venetian. I'm going to spend all your money!" Margaret shouted back.
Damn.
This little spitfire seed determined to bleed him dry.
Fortunately, Hardy was wealthy enough to handle it. Otherwise, her antics might have been financially devastating.
Won—they're born to spend. They could shop endlessly without tiring. Hardy had no choice but to accompany them to the Venetian shopping district.
A shopping spree ensued.
The two won went on a wild shopping rampage.
Clothes, shoes, handbags, perfus, costics—even bikinis weren't spared. However, they didn't show much interest in expensive jewelry or watches.
The shopping frenzy lasted over four hours, ending only when they were utterly exhausted. By then, they were trailed by dozens of attendants, each carrying piles of boxes. The sheer volu of their purchases could easily fill an entire room.
The sight of the two won followed by a procession of attendants drew many curious glances.
The shops in the casino's shopping districts offered excellent service. If you bought too much, attendants could deliver your purchases directly to your hotel room. And if you weren't done shopping, you could even request an attendant to accompany you.
Sotis, wealthy individuals would bring their dates shopping, trailed by three, five, or even eight attendants. It had beco a status symbol.
This phenonon had been orchestrated by Hardy himself, designed to encourage wealthy clients to flaunt their spending power, enhancing the thrill of buying and increasing competitive consumption.
In the six months since the shopping districts had opened, the sight of attendants trailing behind shoppers had beco fairly common. However, an entourage of dozens of attendants, like today, was still a rarity and had many people gawking.
How much could they have bought?
It was well-known that luxury goods on these streets were incredibly expensive, often priced in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. The total cost of those boxes could easily exceed several hundred thousand dollars.
Whose won were these, flaunting such extravagance? Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire
Margaret was ruthless with her spending, and with Taylor in tow, they often bought items in pairs.
Once the two had shopped to their hearts' content, they had the attendants deliver their purchases to the hotel. As for the bill, naturally, Hardy settled it.
Hardy signed off.
As for the money spent, he'd write it off later as a tax deduction.
By the ti the shopping spree ended, it was already 11 PM. The two won weren't ready to call it a night, dragging Hardy to a nightclub. Once inside, the roaring music and electric atmosphere imdiately drew them in. They danced wildly to the rhythm of the music.
Dancing.
Drinking.
Reveling.
Margaret completely let go of her royal deanor, indulging in unrestrained enjoynt.
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