The Tyrant Billionaire

Her innocent words flowed freely, with no filter, as she spoke whatever came to mind.

Andy smiled and replied, "This yacht costs about 3.5 million U.S. dollars."

"Wow!" Haji Maryam's eyes widened in astonishment.

"Our Haji family has been in Penang for centuries, but all our combined wealth probably wouldn't be enough to buy a yacht like this. Governor Hardy is truly wealthy."

Andy silently thought to himself,I can afford it too.

The Fourth Day

Everyone—yes, everyone—could sense that something indescribable was beginning to form between Andy and Haji Maryam.

The Haji family members were becoming increasingly excited.

Meanwhile, as Hardy lay in bed with Irina, she asked about Andy. "It seems Andy has feelings for that girl Maryam. He's been single for so many years. Should we help him out and propose a marriage arrangement to the Haji family?"

Hardy gently stroked Irina's hair and smiled. "Propose marriage? Let him enjoy the process of falling in love. It's a rare feeling for him."

"Andy isn't foolish. He was just deeply hurt by his past marriage and closed off his emotions. If he truly wants to win that girl over, he'll have his own ways."

The Fifth DayThe Sixth Day

Every day, Andy and Haji Maryam went out together. Haji Maryam gradually noticed a change in Andy. That day, the usually lively Haji Maryam seemed a bit shy.

Normally, she spoke to Andy with ease and laughter, but this time, she couldn't even meet his eyes.

They were walking along a coastal boulevard, with a view of the white sandy beach in the distance. Many tourists were playing on the beach.

A car sped past, honking loudly.

Instinctively, Andy grabbed Haji Maryam's hand and pulled her toward him, causing her to stumble. She lost her balance and fell into Andy's arms.

Andy held her waist firmly as their eyes met.

Time froze.Space froze.

Haji Maryam's face turned red. Andy's throat moved slightly.

"Maryam…" Andy said in a hoarse voice.

"Mr. Andy."

"Maryam, have you ever thought about studying in the United States?" Andy suddenly asked.

Haji Maryam was stunned.

Unfortunately, Hardy had overestimated Andy. A heart that had been closed for over a decade was, indeed, a bit rusty.

Back at the Governor's Mansion

After sending Haji Maryam home, Andy returned to Hardy's mansion and told him, "I'm planning to head back soon."

"Did you confess to Miss Haji?" Hardy asked.

Andy froze for a moment, then realized there was no way Hardy wouldn't know about his situation.

"I asked if she'd be willing to study in the United States. She said she'd consider it and discuss it with her family."

Hardy was momentarily speechless.

So… he was a pro at the early stages and a complete noob at the follow-up. Well, taking the slow and steady route is fine too.

This was a deeply personal matter, and as long as things didn't go completely off track, Hardy didn't want to interfere too much.

Back at the Haji Residence

Haji Maryam shared Andy's suggestion with her family. "Dad, Mom, Mr. Andy suggested I study in the United States. I'm not sure what to do, so I wanted to hear your opinions."

"How have things been developing between you two?" her father, Haji Omar, asked.

"Oh, we're just chatting. We're just ordinary friends, Dad. Don't overthink it," Haji Maryam replied.

Haji Omar thought to himself,Ordinary friends? Would the CEO of such a massive enterprise spend a whole week inviting you out every day?

He knew how precious the time of someone like Andy was. As the head of Hardy Group, which oversaw dozens of subsidiary companies—some of which were equivalent to full-fledged corporations themselves—Andy's days were likely filled with people lining up to meet him.

"Was it Mr. Andy who suggested this?" Haji Omar asked again.

"Yes, he suggested it. He said studying abroad would broaden my horizons and recommended the University of California, Los Angeles. He even said he could arrange for me to enter the business school directly," Haji Maryam explained.

Haji Omar understood that Hardy Group's headquarters were in Los Angeles. He began to see the bigger picture.

"Daughter, I fully support you going to study in the United States. Seeing more of the world is important. That's why we sent you to the University of Hong Kong in the first place. If you now have the chance to study in the U.S., it's even better. If Mr. Andy is willing to help with arrangements, that's perfect."

"You agree?" Haji Maryam asked.

"Of course!"

"Studying in the U.S. will be expensive."

"Don't worry. Your dad can afford it," Haji Omar said confidently.

Haji Maryam skipped over, hugged her father's neck, and kissed him. "Thank you, Dad!"

A Few Days Later

Andy left Penang.

He didn't leave alone. He took Haji Maryam with him.

In the United States, their story would surely continue.

Hardy even thought about a title for thier story:The Domineering CEO Little Wife.

...

A Few Days Later Hardy Received Victor's Telegram

Princess Margaret is scheduled to visit Hong Kong in ten days. According to the itinerary, she will tour Hardy Group and the industrial park during her visit.

Hardy smiled faintly.

This had been discussed and agreed upon with Princess Margaret long ago.

Hardy instructed his secretary, "Reply to Victor. Tell him I will personally go to Hong Kong to host Princess Margaret's tour of Hardy Group."

The secretary acknowledged the instruction and went to send the telegram. Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire

Two Days Later

Hardy boarded a plane to Hong Kong. The administration team at the Governor's Office would handle matters in Penang and Malacca.

Meanwhile, Hardy ordered his luxury yacht to sail to Hong Kong.

Upon arrival, Victor and his team welcomed him at the airport. He rode back to his villa where the butler and staff were waiting to greet him. Seeing Chef Elliot Hartman, Hardy smiled and said, "It's been a while since I've had your cooking. Prepare a grand feast tonight."

"Yes, sir," Chef Elliot Hartman responded promptly.

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AN: Hello! It's been a while. I hope you guys are doing great. I sincerely apologize for missing updates over the past few days. It was really hard for me—I couldn't even move for the first few days. Now, I'm starting to feel better, and I will slowly make up for the missing chapters as I recover. I hope you all stay well, and please be careful. The new COVID variant isn't as deadly as the first, but it's really exhausting and spreading fast too. Wishing you a safe and healthy winter.

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