The Tyrant Billionaire

A country that constantly claimed to be broke and always begged for aid.

Five million dollars was not a small sum, it was more than what Hardy had invested in Jonson. They were willing to spend so much to ensure Dewey would support them if he won, that was quite an investment.

As for where the money came from?

It was American aid money, part of which they had embezzled.

At these maneuvers, Hardy was genuinely speechless, as this case has truly lived up to the saying: Take from America, use in America.

Next, Hardy considered how to make use of this matter.

Should the media report it?

Doing so could indeed hurt Dewey, as the law explicitly prohibits accepting funds from other countries. Exposing such a thing would have consequences far beyond just being disqualified from running.

However, the information Henry and his team had was not conclusive. It was only inferred from existing clues that the money came from the Chinese, but there was no concrete evidence.

This left an opening for Dewey.

Hardy thought, this matter could actually be exploited well. If handled correctly, it could deal a heavy blow to Dewey.

Hehe. Trying to mess with my casino business?

Then it's time for me to mess with your people.

"Henry, keep pursuing this lead and try your best to gather evidence," Hardy instructed Henry.

"Got it, boss. I've already assigned someone to monitor the people around Dewey. It might prove effective," Henry replied.

Hardy thought for a moment and added, "Find a suitable person to be the needle that punctures the boil—a journalist would be best."

"Don't worry, boss. Our security and intelligence department has people planted in all industries, including the newspaper offices," Henry assured.

The HD Security and Intelligence Department has grown rapidly over the past year. Henry now commands a team of three to four hundred people. To protect his own business empire, Hardy has instructed Henry to plant intelligence operatives in every company he owns.

And it doesn't stop there.

For businesses owned by outsiders, if Hardy wants to gain a detailed understanding, he will also send people to infiltrate and gather internal information. This approach allows for precise targeting.

These operatives are known by a specific term: corporate spies.

Hardy's orders to Henry is to build a strong and independent intelligence department that answers only to Hardy.

In Hardy's mind, he envisions his intelligence network to be no less powerful than the FBI or CIA in the future.

To safeguard his business, and to become the sharp sword that enables him to expand.

Others run businesses primarily to make money, but Hardy intends to build the Hardy Group as if it were a "nation."

Making money is not the primary objective.

Sometimes, to achieve certain developments, it's necessary to forgo some profit. However, once the overall strength becomes robust, making money becomes easier.

Hardy Corporation.

Hardy Group.

Hardy Nation.

Hardy's ultimate goal is to make the Hardy Group as powerful as any nation. It's not a country it doesn't need land, but it's incredibly strong.

Of course, before this goal is fully established, it needs a fertile land to continuously absorb nutrients and grow stronger, and the best choice for this land is America.

America is powerful, whether in military strength or politics, it is not something Hardy can shake. But don't forget, those who control everything are individuals, made up of individual people.

The President is powerful, but he's just one person.

Congress is powerful, but it's made up of individual members.

The consortium is powerful, but it's composed of various companies.

And Hardy is just one part of it. While absorbing nutrients, he will also continuously split and grow stronger, becoming more formidable.

Hardy suddenly realized.

Damn, Am I like a cancer cell?!

...

After his speech in Salt Lake City, President Johnson's next stop was originally planned to be Carson City, the capital of Nevada. However, he received a call from Hardy, who suggested he come to Las Vegas first. Without hesitation, Johnson changed his schedule and decided to head to Las Vegas.

The mayor of Las Vegas, along with several officials and numerous entrepreneurs from Las Vegas, came to the airport to welcome him.

The plane landed.

As soon as President Johnson got off the plane, the reporters immediately raised their cameras and continuously took pictures, with flashes going off in a frenzy.

Johnson stood on the stairs, smiling and waving.

After descending, he shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with the crowd before everyone got into their cars. The presidential motorcade led the way, followed by a spontaneous convoy of citizens, forming a long procession.

When the motorcade arrived in downtown Las Vegas, countless citizens lined the streets. Some held American flags, others had flowers, and some displayed banners saying, "Support President Johnson for Re-election."

President Johnson specifically switched to a convertible car, sitting inside, smiling, and waving to the crowd. The motorcade moved slowly, and a beautiful woman threw a bouquet towards the president, shouting, "Mr. President, I love you."

She also blew a kiss.

If someone familiar with the area was present, they would recognize this woman as the most famous exotic dancer of the exotic dance troupe at the Hardy Grand Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, known for her pole dancing. She's quite well known in Las Vegas now.

President Johnson caught the bouquet and waved it in his hand, receiving another round of cheers.

This is called being approachable. Even exotic dancers are part of the public.

President Johnson finally stayed at the Hardy Grand Hotel. Tomorrow, he will deliver a speech. His aides are preparing, and Hardy's people are also helping. In the luxurious suite on the top floor of the Hardy Grand Hotel, Johnson was chatting with Hardy.

Hardy did not go to the airport to greet him but waited directly at the hotel for Johnson's arrival.

"Congratulations, Mr. President. Your approval rating is getting higher and higher, and you're warmly welcomed wherever you go," Hardy said with a smile.