And Hardy also recognized a hidden risk: a royal grant might not be as secure as a purchase agreement under global law. What if someone later declared the grant invalid? What then?
A purchase, on the other hand, would come with a contract, which would be recognized by all international law. Even if he were no longer governor or lost administrative control, the land would still legally belong to him.
Hardy said, "It can be formally granted by the king, but I require a legitimate purchase contract with the British government."
Lambert considered it for a moment. "That should be possible."
"And another thing, your asking price is too high. $100 million in bonds and $100 million in loans—investing $200 million could easily double my profits in five years. The Cayman Islands aren't worth $200 million."
Both sides agreed to discuss the price further at a later date.
