The Tyrant Billionaire

In terms of equity, the agreement was straightforward:

Shockley would receive 40% of the profits from research results and patents. Management rights, however, would remain with Hardy's investment firm. In essence, Shockley's primary responsibility would still be research. The patents would be owned by Hardy's company, and profits would be divided according to their shares.

With that, Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory was established. It began advertising, leveraging Shockley's reputation as the inventor of the transistor in the electronics industry to attract talent. Among those drawn to the lab were young innovators such as Robert Noyce, Gordon Moore, Eugene Kleiner, Jean Hoerni, Sheldon Roberts, Jay Last, and Victor Grinich.

These young individuals would later establish Fairchild Semiconductor, and eventually go on to found companies like Intel and AMD.

The lab's primary focus remained transistors, but it now sought to advance the development of silicon chips and silicon-based transistors.

Shockley had already been exploring these areas during his time at Bell Labs and had well-developed ideas and goals. With a fully equipped lab and significant funding, he could now dedicate himself to experimentation.

When Hardy received a report from his investment company, he was immediately captivated. His decision to invest in Silicon Valley had been strategic—knowing it would become the epicenter of future technology, he had acted early to secure a foothold.

To his delight, his investment had already attracted such talent.

Upon reflection, it wasn't surprising. These individuals were all tech experts who often lacked funding. A venture capital firm willing to invest in high-tech R&D was bound to attract them.

Since they were now under his umbrella, Hardy had no intention of letting them leave.

Hardy resolved to retain these talents. After all, their future entrepreneurial ambitions stemmed from a desire for greater success and wealth.

That wasn't a problem—Hardy could continue to invest in them. Historically, they had relied on initial funding to kickstart their ventures, so Hardy could play that role.

He also foresaw the rise of other tech companies in the region. As Silicon Valley gained momentum, more talent would flock there, allowing Hardy to amass a portfolio of significant stakes in numerous tech firms.

This, Hardy believed, would become the greatest wealth of the future.

By 1955, with mediation from the U.S. and the U.K., the Hardy Dominion and Indonesia reached a reconciliation agreement. Indonesia had been unable to endure Hardy's continuous armed harassment of its mainland, which severely disrupted production and daily life, causing enormous losses.

Indonesia ultimately capitulated.

It agreed to thoroughly investigate the riots and arson incidents, arresting over 200 key individuals, and compensated affected businesses and victims. The government also issued formal apologies and financial restitution for those killed or injured.

Regarding Hardy's investments in Indonesia, the government offered to purchase them at market value, but Hardy refused to sell. Instead, Indonesia promised to protect all foreign investments and ensure equal treatment for foreign companies.

Lastly, while Indonesia couldn't afford the $500 million in war reparations, it agreed to pay $120 million in installments.

Thus, the Hardy-Indonesia conflict came to an end.

Hardy had already preempted potential future issues by spreading the word among Indonesian businessman communities that the Hardy Dominion offered equal rights to all citizens and welcomed immigrants.

This led to a massive migration of Indonesians businessman to the Hardy Dominion, significantly boosting the populations of Penang, Malacca, and Singapore. Many of these migrants were affluent, bringing considerable wealth with them.

March 1955 Irina gave birth to a daughter—a beautiful child with golden hair and sky-blue eyes.

Hardy smiled and remarked, "My children will eventually have all kinds of hair colors and eye colors. It'll be quite the sight when they're all together."

He named the child Anna.

Anna's citizenship wasn't registered in the U.S.; instead, it was tied to the Cayman Islands. This also applied to Irina, as Hardy wanted to simplify future asset transfers and inheritance processes.

By now, the Cayman Islands had over 3,000 citizens, nearly all of whom were wealthy elites, their family members, or Hardy Company employees. Ordinary individuals found it nearly impossible to gain citizenship there.

When Elizabeth Taylor learned that Irina had given birth, she playfully clung to Hardy, whining, "Hardy, I want to have your child too. No, I want to have several!"

"Of course," Hardy replied.

"Now!"

"You're only 22. Aren't you worried that having children might affect your career or your figure?" Hardy teased.
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"I'm not worried. I want it now. Give me one~~~!"

...

Elizabeth Taylor wanted to have a child with Hardy. Her wish was soon fulfilled, and two months later, she discovered she was pregnant. As a result, the new film she had been preparing to shoot was put on hold.

To have a child.

Perhaps it was just the year.

This year, Ava also became pregnant.

There was another surprise: Hedy Lamarr was also pregnant. Despite their relatively few encounters, their occasional passionate moments bore unexpected results.

"Hardy, can I have the baby? You don't need to take responsibility—I can raise it on my own."

"Of course, you should have the baby. Do you think I'm someone who shirks responsibility? If it's my child, I will take full responsibility," Hardy said, feigning displeasure.

This child's name would later be added to the Hardy family registry and would become one of the beneficiaries of the Hardy family trust.

Hedy Lamarr was so emotional that she hugged Hardy tightly.

On a flight to Australia, Andy casually chatted with Hardy.

"Princess Margaret, and Irina have all had children. Now Ava and Hedy Lamarr are pregnant. In the future, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn might also follow suit, along with even more women. Hardy, how many children are you planning to have?"

Hardy, with a face full of pride, said, " Iam just so charming."

Andy gave him a look of disdain.

His boss excelled in many areas: keen business acumen, decisiveness, interpersonal skills, and leadership. Hardy Group employees admired him immensely, and he surrounded himself with numerous allies.

But when it came to women, he had zero self-restraint. Even outsiders found his behavior somewhat brazen.

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