The Tyrant Billionaire

"We do. We have intelligence agents embedded within The Global Times and our trade companies," Henry responded.

"Notify our contacts in England and have them investigate the situation immediately. The sooner, the better," Hardy ordered.

Although mobilizing them could expose their identities, Hardy wasn't concerned. This was about Taylor's safety. After all, wasn't this exactly what they were trained for?

"Understood, boss," Henry said as he left to carry out the orders.

Hardy sat in his office, feeling that something about the situation was off.

Taylor was supposed to be with Princess Margaret, who had the royal security team protecting her. It didn't make sense that anything could have happened.

And if something had indeed occurred, given Princess Margaret's involvement, British Intelligence Services MI5 or MI6 would surely have dispatched agents to investigate. With the capabilities of British intelligence, what kind of criminals could evade them and keep Taylor missing for an entire day and night?

There was something fishy about this.

Half an hour later, Hardy arrived at Los Angeles airport. The plane was ready, and Henry was waiting with over twenty elite men.

As soon as Hardy boarded, the plane took off.

After a seven- or eight-hour flight, the plane landed at New York airport. Without pausing, it refueled and continued directly to England.

The journey lasted nearly eleven hours. Finally, the plane landed at London airport, where several cars were waiting. Henry had arranged everything in advance.

After getting into the car, Henry introduced the man sitting next to him. "Boss, this is Alan, the head of our intelligence operations in the UK. His public identity is a journalist, and he oversees a team of more than ten people."

Alan was in his early thirties, with an unremarkable appearance. He had previously worked for a security company before being assigned to the UK.

"Alan, do you have any news about Taylor?" Hardy asked.

"Yes, boss. We've located Miss Taylor. At the moment, she's out shopping with Princess Margaret," Alan replied.

Hardy was stunned.

This was not the answer he had expected.

He had considered several possible outcomes: they hadn't found her, she had been harmed, or she had already been rescued. But he hadn't anticipated that she would be out shopping.

"Shopping? Are you sure?" Hardy asked.

"I'm sure, boss. Miss Taylor and Princess Margaret are on Oxford Street. I've had people tailing them, though we've had to keep our distance because of the security detail around them. But we've seen them clearly," Alan confirmed.

Hardy's mouth twitched, and he clenched his teeth.

He seemed to have figured out what was going on. This entire situation was probably another one of Princess Margaret's mischievous pranks.

He thought back to his last visit to England. At a ball, he had embarrassed the proud princess by besting her, and she had held a grudge ever since. This might very well be her childish way of getting back at him.

And Hardy was right.

That day at the ball, Hardy had humiliated Margaret, and the princess couldn't shake off the memory. What made it worse was that Hardy had left England and hadn't returned, which only increased her frustration.

When she found out that Taylor was Hardy's girlfriend, she concocted this plan to tease him.
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When Margaret had invited Taylor, the young actress had just finished filming and was on her way back to the U.S. Taylor had been confused by the invitation. Although they had attended the same school and danced together, they hadn't been close. Margaret had always been haughty, and Taylor was equally proud. Two proud girls together usually ended in bickering.

In later years, Taylor and Princess Margaret would have several public spats. On one occasion, Taylor owned a perfect gemstone necklace, and Margaret publicly mocked her for it. Taylor retorted, and their exchange was caught by reporters.

Despite her misgivings, Taylor's mother, Elsa, had urged her to accept the princess's invitation. Elsa saw this as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the British royal family.

"You've just finished filming after months of hard work. It's a perfect time to go to England and relax for a while," Elsa had said.

So Taylor had gone to England.

While there, Margaret found a new playmate. The two of them attended parties, went horseback riding, hunted, and participated in all sorts of women's gatherings. They had a great time.

Taylor, who was only seventeen and loved having fun, enjoyed the wild lifestyle. She was already a Hollywood star, and her fame had spread to the UK, where she was warmly received wherever she went.

After over a month in England, Taylor started to feel homesick. A few days ago, she told Princess Margaret that she was thinking of going back to the U.S. Margaret, after some thought, convinced her to stay for another week, and Taylor agreed.

The real reason Margaret wanted her to stay was to carry out her plan. Margaret had hesitated at first, fearing she might cause real trouble. But when Taylor mentioned leaving, Margaret decided to go ahead. If Hardy took the bait, so be it. If not, Taylor would return to the U.S. in a week.

That was how the telegram two days ago came to be.

At that moment, Margaret and Taylor were in a well known clothing store with a century old history, trying on clothes.

Taylor was getting ready to return to the U.S. and wanted to buy some gifts before she left.

Both girls had picked out outfits they liked and went into the fitting rooms to change. Taylor came out and adjusted her clothes, admiring herself in the mirror.

"I wonder if Hardy will like this style," she muttered to herself.

Just then, a male voice behind her suddenly said, "No matter what you wear, I'll love it."

Taylor froze.

She immediately recognized that voice.

But she couldn't believe it. How could he be in London?

Looking at the mirror in front of her, she saw a man's face reflected in it, smiling at her. Who else could it be but Hardy?

"Ahhhh!"

Taylor screamed in delight.

She turned and threw herself into Hardy's arms.

She was ecstatic. This was a huge surprise.

Meanwhile, in the other fitting room, Princess Margaret finished changing and stepped out, just in time to see Taylor hugging a man.

She froze in shock.