The Tyrant Billionaire

They announced the results of the operation: "With a tightly planned operation, we eradicated the Cohenheim Gang, which had plagued Houston for over a decade. The gang leader, Cohenheim, was killed, and 236 gang members were arrested. These individuals have confessed to numerous past crimes, and once the investigation is complete, they will be prosecuted in court."

Of course, many people knew that this operation was entirely thanks to HD Security.

Hardy had deployed his most elite forces for this mission. These men, no more than 200 strong, were all battle hardened veterans who had undergone further rigorous training after joining the security company. They were the cutting edge of Hardy’s forces, and each of them could face off against multiple enemies.

After this action, the newspapers once again reported on the events, and many people were exhilarated by what they read.

Finally, someone the gangs feared.

That morning, Hardy received a call from Lancer, who said that demand for bodyguard services and company partnerships had surged. They were overwhelmed with requests due to the positive publicity from the incident.

Hardy’s told Lancer to keep recruiting and then raise the prices!

As Monroe applied sunscreen to Hardy’s broad back, she noticed the smile on his face while reading the news. Curious, she asked, "What’s making you so happy?"

"The newspaper says HD Security is the protector of the people. What do you think, Monroe?" Hardy asked. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Monroe thought for a moment, then leaned close to his ear and whispered, "I only know that you are my protector."

"Oh? And when do you feel the most protected?" Hardy teased.

Monroe boldly responded, "When you’re pressing down on me."

Protecting the people is a duty that cannot be shirked.

...

John Ston, the president of Wells Fargo, sent a telegram indicating that their visit to Portugal was nearing its end and that the next stop was the United Kingdom. Hardy had previously instructed them to notify him before reaching the UK, as he planned to join them personally. He responded, confirming that he would arrive in the UK at the same time.

This time, Hardy didn’t bring Andy along, leaving him behind to handle the group’s business. With Andy overseeing operations, Hardy could leave without concern.

Hardy’s plane landed at London Airport just ten minutes before the planes carrying the aid and the investment teams. Everyone disembarked together.

The British Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer were there to greet them at the airport, and after some pleasantries, they all headed to 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence.

There, they met Prime Minister Clement Attlee. Attlee, a Labour Party leader, had pushed for nationalization after coming to power in 1945, hoping it would save Britain. He nationalized industries like coal, aviation, telecommunications, transport, electricity, gas, and steel.

Britain had mixed feelings about U.S. aid. On the one hand, post-war Britain was struggling and desperately needed help. On the other hand, they understood the real purpose behind American aid.

The U.S. wasn’t offering aid out of sheer goodwill; their goal was to create economic and political dependence on the U.S. in the recipient countries, ultimately vying for dominance over Europe and even the world.

Looking back from a modern perspective, when the U.S. seized global dominance from Britain, Britain did resist and continued to do so for years, though not without many challenges.

For example, in some of the NATO wars many years later, Britain would have the power to completely block some particular trade routes but chose to turn a blind eye, even allowing smuggling as a way to counter U.S. influence in Europe.

But by that time it was already a forgone conclusion, and that struggle didn’t change much.

Post-World War II Britain had drained its Treasury in the war, faced severe food shortages, and a rising unemployment rate led to constant strikes.

Both production and daily life were difficult to sustain, leaving the British with very few options to face the U.S a rich and rising country of capitalists, Opeting for what they were best at, the British tried to drag the Soviet Union in to invest in Europ.

The Soviet Union on the other hand was tough, they simply refused to participate in capitalist games and walked away.

Britain, after much internal struggle, had no choice but to lower its pride and accept the new Hegemon of the world.

Yet, despite accepting help, they clung to the pride of their once great British Empire. This pride made them hesitant, which is why the investment list they presented to the economic inspection team wasn’t impressive, not even compared to smaller countries. It mostly consisted of private enterprises.

Anything related to essential services was deemed nationalized or on the path to becoming state owned, making them off limits for investment.

Hardy understood that Britain still had its "imperial complex," which made its behavior somewhat twisted.

Being knocked off the top spot in the world and then having to beg for aid from the same country that once followed in its shadow was understandably painful.

While others focused on the investment list, Hardy didn’t pay it much mind. He only cared about three sectors: banking, shipping, and luxury goods.

He had already asked British officials to prepare a list of luxury companies open to investment. As for banks and shipping, that was something the president of Wells Fargo, John Ston, could handle.

Not long after, John Ston approached Hardy, speaking in a low voice, "Mr. Hardy, I’m considering acquiring a small bankrupt bank with about twenty branches—three in London and the rest in other major British cities."

"You can decide that on your own," Hardy replied.

"I also found another bank that might be worth investing in."

"What bank?"

"HSBC. They’re on the list of banks, and they’re looking to sell a significant portion of their shares."

Hardy’s interest was piqued.

"Is HSBC short on funds?"

"I don’t know, but HSBC holds the note issuing rights in Hong Kong. Even though Hong Kong is a small place, having the power to issue currency there is a major financial advantage. As long as Hong Kong continues to develop, this bank will be highly profitable."