The Tyrant Billionaire

Hardy didn't make excuses, opting instead for Lancer to openly admit it as a rescue mission.

The employer was surrounded by hundreds of gang thugs, and the security company responded promptly. They handled things efficiently and directly.

HD Security's motto: Everything for the safety of the employer.

As for whether it was illegal, Hardy was prepared to face any legal challenges. If the police or the families of the deceased wanted to press charges, Hardy would use his powerful legal team to fight the case to the end.

Even if they lost and the pilots were arrested, this whole incident served as massive publicity for HD Security.

There's no employer who wouldn't appreciate bodyguards who would risk everything to save them.

Even if it costs them more, they'd be willing to pay.

If the pilots are convicted and sentenced to a few years in prison, Hardy would ensure they receive a sizable compensation, enough to make them content. It would be like spending money on advertising, and the results from this kind of ad would be worth millions of dollars.

While in prison, they'd live comfortably, as Hardy would arrange for someone to take care of them. Once they're out, they'd be wealthy, with no complaints from the pilots.

Of course, that's the worst case scenario.

Hardy's legal team assured him that they could reduce the case to just fines and compensations. No serious consequences.

And if all it took was money, Hardy wouldn't mind at all.

Some people suggested this would tarnish HD Security's reputation—branding them as ruthless, reckless, and uncaring about human life.

Reputation? It's all about how you spin it.

Hardy controlled The Global Times, ABC TV, and was a major shareholder in the Los Angeles Times. He also had magazines and comics under his belt.

If the Cohenheim gang was portrayed as a vicious, oppressive, criminal group, pillaging and committing atrocities, would anyone sympathize with them?

People might just cheer if they were bombed with artillery.

Such is the power of publicity.

In America, being humble and modest isn't considered a virtue.

On the contrary, people view you as weak and easily bullied. The stronger and more assertive you are, the more respect you garner.

This time, Hardy planned to go all out, making a bold statement.

He wanted to show everyone the strength of HD Security's strike capabilities and the power of his media empire.

As for the Cohenheim gang?Nôv(el)B\\jnn

They would serve as the stepping stone for this PR campaign.

Hardy instructed Henry, "Launch a full scale media offensive. Frame this as a righteous mission, while nailing the 'Cohenheim gang' to the pillar of shame."

"Hardy Media will fully support your efforts," Hardy added.

Infiltration, subversion, media manipulation—all were part of intelligence work. Henry nodded, understanding the plan. They had contingency plans in place for such scenarios.

Hardy then turned to Lancer.

"Lancer, have someone gather all the criminal evidence against the Cohenheim gang, then contact the Houston police chief. Get the Cohenheim gang classified as a criminal organization and launch a full scale crackdown. As for the actual operations, leave them to Matthew and Nick."

"I've already reached out to a Texas senator, who will help connect us with Houston's mayor and police chief."

That's the power of connections—a single phone call could solve many problems.

Once they had the evidence, they could legally bury Cohenheim, placing themselves firmly on the side of justice, gaining public support, and leaving Cohenheim without a chance to fight back.

After discussing everything with Lancer and Henry, they left. Shortly after, another guest boarded the yacht—Prizzi, the head of the Houston mafia family.

Prizzi glanced at the yacht and asked, "Mr. Hardy, is this Marcelo's yacht?"

Hardy smiled, "Yes, it's Marcelo's yacht. I took it out for a spin, and thought it'd be a good spot to meet with you."

Prizzi sat down, looked at Hardy, and said, "To be honest, I didn't expect you to deploy fighter jets yesterday. Aren't you worried about the military and government getting involved?"

Hardy laughed heartily.

"HD Security is already working with the Department of Defense to establish a security company, which allows us to use heavy weaponry. Our fighter jets are completely legal, so you don't need to worry about that."

"As for using fighter jets against the Cohenheim gang, a bunch of vicious criminals planning to kill and rob—does it really matter what weapons we use?"

Prizzi asked, "What's your next move, Mr. Hardy?"

Hardy had already investigated. Even though Prizzi sent men to help, they only stationed about fifty people on the perimeter to face off with the Cohenheim gang, clearly holding back.

It was obvious that Prizzi had his own agenda.

In a calm tone, Hardy replied, "I'm always generous to my friends, happy to share the profits. There's plenty of money to be made. But to my enemies, I'm never lenient."

"Prizzi , I appreciate you sending men to confront the Cohenheim gang, even if they only stayed on the outskirts."

Prizzi's face darkened, realizing that Hardy had seen through his ploy.

If Hardy decided to flip the table, he could very well kill him right here.

Hardy had brought enough people to wipe out both the Prizzi family and the Cohenheim gang, claiming Houston as his own territory.

Thinking of this, sweat dripped down Prizzi's forehead.

The lounge fell eerily silent for a moment.

Hardy glanced at Prizzi and said, "Prizzi, I prefer making friends, not enemies. There's so much money to be made in the world, so why squabble over a little? Why not look further afield?"

"I heard you and the Barzini family are building casinos in Cuba and have invested a lot of money there. Honestly, I don't think Cuba's business is going to work out," Hardy said.

Prizzi was stunned.

"I seem to remember that the idea to build casinos in Cuba originally came from you, didn't it? But Barzini ended up taking the business?"

Hardy thought to himself, You guys still remember that was my idea, huh?

Hardy nodded, "That's right, I did think Cuba was promising at first, but times have changed too quickly. I suspect there might be unpredictable political upheavals in Cuba, and if that happens, your investment will be lost."

Prizzi was startled by Hardy's words.

"What makes you think that?" Prizzi asked.

"It's based on intelligence analysis. The conclusion might not be 100% accurate, but there's a high possibility. You remember last year's Cuban congressional riots? The domestic opposition to the current government is growing."