Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 143 Niall's Island Resort

Jasper said, "Niall, you're too courteous."

Zoren chimed in, "Honestly, Pauillac is just okay. I think those rare Lafite bottles in your cellar might be more to my liking. I wouldn't mind taking those home." Niall was speechless.

Liam laughed heartily, "Haha, Zero, seems like you're up for a real contest, huh?"

Once you start taking advantage of someone, you will want more and more.

If a wine was rare and sought after, it was almost like a currency, increasing in value over time.

Niall eyed Zoren thoughtfully. "I can give you the wine, but you'll have to swim over. Whether you manage that depends on your ability."

Hearing this, Zoren straightened immediately, "Niall, I was only joking! How could I possibly swim across such a vast sea?"

Niall replied, "Oh, is that so? Well, since you've got such a big appetite, the sea is just water. You could drink your way through it."

Zoren quickly backed down, "Fine, I misspoke, Niall."

Violeta turned to Niall and asked, "Niall, where's your super luxurious yacht?"

"It's on its way, but it might take a while to get here."

While Niall had not planned any yacht outings recently, the yacht was kept in pristine condition with daily cleaning, maintenance, and care by professionals.

The buggy arrived at the manor, and everyone got off.

The vacation resort showcased an Eastern-style vintage elegance, beginning with traditional double wooden doors at the entrance.

It was effortlessly chic, simple, and classic, yet timeless.

The entrance was adorned with a variety of island plants, all meticulously pruned and beautifully maintained.

As they walked in, passing the cobblestone pathway and the sunken corridor, Violeta noticed two cats lounging on the front yard wall.

"Niall, do you keep cats here?"

Niall casually glanced at the two cats perched on the wall. "Yes, when I first came to the island to handle pest control, there were quite a few rats, so it made sense to get a couple of cats. "They're named Snowy and Blacky."

"Are they male or female?"

Niall paused for a moment, "Both male."

"Haha!

The group burst into laughter.

Niall had thought ahead, realising that if he had one male and one female cat, they would likely breed, potentially leading to an overpopulation of cats on the island.

Having cats of the same sex might lead to fights, especially during the mating season, so he opted to have them neutered to avoid such issues.

The staff had prepared the bedrooms thoroughly, and once everyone's luggage was settled, Hera and Zeus were settled on the terrace. Meanwhile, Violeta and her friends moved to the front hall to enjoy lunch Zoren and the others were long aware that Niall owned an island resort, but they had never had the chance to visit until now.

Staying on the island full-time was undeniably relaxing and seemed prestigious, yet life there lacked the vibrancy of city living.

If not for this summer vacation, they might not have been interested in visiting the island at all.

So, this was their first time vacationing at the resort.

Lunch primarily featured seafood dishes.

Previously, Violeta had breakouts after eating so many roasted meats, but this time, the meal was fresh and light, which suited her better.

As they dined, the conversation flowed easily among them.

Liam, ever curious, posed a question to Niall, "Niall, who are the wealthy individuals living on the nearby islands? Maybe we know some of them."

Niall took a moment to think, then said, "Well, there are a few foreign businessmen around here, though you might not know them personally-your uncle might have."

He paused, remembering something, "Oh yes, there's also a celebrity from Harbor City who bought an island nearby."

Jasper perked up, "A celebrity? Who is it?"

Zoren urged, "Come on, Niall, try to remember."

Even Hayden looked up from his soup, intrigued.

Niall scratched his head. "Her last name's Leid, I think. Sorry, I can't quite place her first name."

Violeta, enjoying her king crab, suddenly piped up, "Hannah Leid?"

"That's her!"

Niall confirmed as he returned to his meal and squeezed some lemon over his crab.

Casually, he added, "They actually offered me the island next to hers when it was for sale, but I wasn't interested."

Curious, Violeta asked, "Why didn't you take it, Niall?"

Niall explained further about the island, "That island was filled in later. Initially, a large natural pit in the middle made it unsuitable for building. After all the surrounding islands were sold, this one remained. So, they filled it in to make it saleable.

"Since that island is close to mine, the real estate agent came to me with an offer, proposing a 40% discount.

"I declined. Filled land isn't as stable as natural terrain. Even if it's solid now, who knows what might happen with geological shifts in the future? If the filled area collapses again, what then? Moreover, the sea weather is unpredictable. If a typhoon hits, we could all be stranded on the island, not to mention the risks associated with the fill sinking. There were simply too many safety concerns."