The Tyrant Billionaire

"The group has opened accounts for each of you at Wells Fargo in the Cayman Islands. The finance department will soon provide you with a digital account, where the money will be stored tax-free."

Hearing this, many laughed knowingly.

Personal income tax in the U.S. is quite high, and 30% is deducted before they even see their money. With the funds in the Cayman Islands, they wouldn't face these concerns; the U.S. government couldn't collect taxes on these funds.

Why? Digital accounts—the account holder is untraceable.

"Let me clarify, you can use 30% of these bonuses freely. The remaining 70% will be placed in a trust fund. As long as you work for Hardy Group, a bonus will be added each year. When you retire, you can live off the trust fund."

"The Cayman Islands has no inheritance tax. Even if you pass away, your wives and children can still receive the trust fund, ensuring their livelihood."

Many chuckled once more.

They genuinely felt Hardy's thoughtful approach and concern for them.

Bonuses are important, but sometimes the boss's care and regard matter even more.

Emotional bonds are one of the critical elements that sustain an enterprise.

As a leader, it's essential to respect, trust, and utilize talent effectively, provide development opportunities, and establish a well-rounded incentive structure, including salaries, bonuses, and equity. Building relationships is also vital, especially with those who have been loyal for a long time—they are often more committed than new hires.

Hardy needed them to build his group, so reinforcing these alliances was only natural.

At a certain point, money becomes more than a necessity; it reflects influence, power, and serves as a tool for success.

"Having addressed your bonuses, let's talk about the bonus systems for each subsidiary. You need to manage your teams with a fair reward structure. Each company should develop an appropriate bonus plan and report it to the group headquarters, with payouts set for early February at the latest."

The Hardy Group now employs over 20,000 people, including 9,000 in the security company, more than 200 Wells Fargo branches, the Global Times' worldwide staff, ABC Television across the U.S., as well as the supermarket chain, courier company, shipping company, and dozens of other subsidiaries.

Distributing bonuses to so many employees is no small expense, but Hardy believed it was necessary. These funds come from the very profits the employees helped generate, and only by rewarding them would they be motivated to continue.

Employees have simple expectations.

Corporate culture, loyalty training, team spirit—encouraging employees to treat the company as their home with slogans like, "The company's success is my success, its decline, my lose."

Hardy thought it was possible to instill this sentiment.

But the most crucial point? Timely compensation.

Only when employees see real rewards do these values hold weight. Without money, they're all empty promises.

Pay the money.

Then, they'd stay even if you scold them.

The year-end review and new year planning meeting concluded successfully, an essential event for ensuring the company's growth over the coming year.

The meeting ended.

Hardy returned to his estate.

A red Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit was parked outside, a gift from Hardy to Monroe, as he felt she suited red.

When Hardy found Monroe, she was working out.

She was wearing tight leggings and a sweat-wicking fitted T-shirt, her perfect figure on display.

She seemed to have been at it for a while, as a light sweat had formed, a few strands of hair stuck to her forehead, and her cheeks were slightly flushed, making her look like a girl.

Monroe, in reality, was quite disciplined. The public only saw her sensual side, but no one knew how dedicated she was to her work, whether it was filming or performing.

She often exercised to maintain her physique, keeping at it for two hours each time, cooked her own meals, and balanced her nutrition.

To improve her acting, she had enrolled in acting classes and voice lessons. She knew a bit of guitar and violin, and recently, she had taken up piano and could now sing while playing.

When Monroe saw Hardy enter, she set down her dumbbell, picked up her boxing gloves, and looked at Hardy, saying, "Want to spar?"

"Alright."

Hardy put on his gloves.

In the gym, they had a professional boxing ring with resistance cables. Monroe squared off with Hardy, throwing punches in a seemingly practiced manner. Of course, Hardy only defended, never attacking.
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Seeing she couldn't break through his defense, Monroe suddenly lunged forward, wrapped her arms around him, and tripped him up. They both tumbled onto the boxing ring.

Then...

They began rolling around on the mat.

Monroe, out of breath and laughing heartily, seemed happy in that moment. She loved this feeling; she loved the man she was with.

Resting in Hardy's arms, Monroe reluctantly said, "I'll be going back to New York tomorrow. The crew will return to continue filming soon."

"Shall I see you off?" Hardy asked.

"No need, you're so busy. I'll go by myself. Once filming wraps up, I'll come back to see you right away," Monroe replied.

The two removed their gloves and prepared to shower when the phone suddenly rang. Hardy picked it up, hearing Major General Williams on the other end.

This surprised Hardy; he wondered why Williams was calling so urgently.

"Hardy, our Logistics Bureau chief, Lieutenant General Jensen, had a sudden stroke this morning. He's stable after treatment but still has partial paralysis and slurred speech. The doctor says he's unlikely to make a full recovery."

Hardy immediately understood Williams implication.

He had previously expressed interest in becoming the Logistics Bureau chief, though he'd have to wait for Jensen's retirement next year. Now, the situation had changed.

"I understand. I'll visit President Johnson in Washington tomorrow," Hardy said.

No need for further words; both knew what each other meant.

He hung up the phone.

After thinking it over, he decided to speak with Johnson.

Hardy entered the bathroom.

As soon as he opened the door slightly, a slender arm reached out, pulling him inside, and the door shut with a bang.