The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold) novel Chapter 1254

The campfire crackled as a chicken roasted to perfection, its mouthwatering aroma wafting through the air.

The locals had never ventured beyond their island for they had no need of boats. They raised cows and chickens, and when the tide receded, they'd gather fish and shellfish from the bountiful sea. There was no fear of hunger here; the island provided.

The doctor arrived with a fine bottle of wine, and soon the beachside gathering was alive with song and dance. Laughter mingled with the clink of glasses as they shared the roast and sipped the vintage, which Tanya noted with approval, had the complex bouquet of a Lafite.

Tanya, however, kept to herself, sipping quietly at her wine. She wasn't one to join the revelry.

After their feast, the women sprang into action. They herded the cows and chickens into the barn, then set about harvesting crops and picking fruit. Tanya knew this flurry of activity had to mean a storm was brewing. Tanya was certain that they must be in contact with the outside world or they couldn't have known the weather forecast.

She approached the doctor, "Is there a storm coming?"

"Yes," the doctor replied with a nod.

"How do you all know?" Tanya inquired.

The doctor pointed to a line of ants marching up a palm tree, saying, "These ants are our weather forecasters. When they move up the tree, a storm is on its way. The higher they climb, the worse it will be." She paused and then added, "Look at them all going up to the top of the tree today, that means there's a big storm."

Indeed, as evening approached, dark clouds massed and fierce winds began to howl.

Inside the sturdy villa, the dining room was lit with a warm glow. The staff sat leisurely, relishing a sumptuous dinner. Having had chicken at noon, they now savored fish and coconut crab by candlelight.

Tanya cracked a piece of succulent crab meat and remarked, "This storm's a fierce one, but thankfully, we're rarely hit. Our little island's quite sheltered."