The sea breeze carried the briny scent as it swept over them.

Sophia Laurent stood barefoot on the soft white sand, her slender waist accentuated by the black quick-dry top. She focused intently on the distant rolling waves, gripping her surfboard tightly.

"Lower your center of gravity," Ethan Sullivan's voice came from behind.

His long fingers rested lightly at her waist, warmth seeping through the fabric. Her three brothers surrounded them, forming a protective circle around her like precious treasure.

"Here it comes!" Victor Laurent suddenly called out.

Sophia took a deep breath and surged forward into the wave. The icy slap of seawater against her calves sent her pulse racing. Just as she found her balance, an unexpected swell knocked her over.

Saltwater flooded her nose and mouth.

Before she could react, four figures plunged into the sea simultaneously. Ethan reached her first, his strong arms lifting her above the surface.

"I'm fine!" She wiped her face and shouted.

No one listened. Ethan scooped her up effortlessly, while her brothers flanked them like royal guards escorting a princess ashore.

"That's enough for today," Ethan declared, leaving no room for argument.

Sophia pouted, wet strands clinging to her cheeks. As she opened her mouth to protest, Julian Laurent handed her a dry towel. "Listen to us, little sister. You can try again tomorrow."

Back at the villa, the staff had already prepared hot tea.

Sophia cradled her cup, watching the four men bustle about. Ethan adjusted the bathwater temperature, Victor selected fresh clothes, and Matthew even had a hairdryer ready.

This overwhelming care made her eyes sting.

Dinner proved even more excessive.

The moment she reached for a shrimp, four pairs of hands shot forward. Ethan won the race, deftly peeling it before placing it in her bowl.

"You're all ridiculous," Sophia said, torn between laughter and exasperation.

Vincent Laurent smiled from the head of the table. "They've waited over twenty years for a sister."

As night deepened, Kyle Grant's call came through.

Sophia stepped onto the balcony, sea winds lifting her hair. His voice sounded hoarse. "How have you been?"

"I found my biological father," she murmured.

After a pause, Kyle asked, "Should I run a background check?"

"No need." She glanced back at Ethan standing by the glass doors. "He treats me well."

Hanging up, Ethan approached with a coat. Without questions, he draped it over her shoulders. "The night wind is chilly."

In her bedroom, Sophia surveyed the space designed specifically for her. Elegant decor, her favorite books by the bedside, even the skincare products matched her usual brands.

"Dad really thought of everything," she said, running her hand over the silken sheets.

Ethan embraced her from behind. "Tomorrow I'll have them expand the walk-in closet."

Sophia turned and poked his chest. "Jealous?"

"A little." He caught her finger and kissed it. "But happier that so many people love you."

Morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains.

Sophia awoke to commotion outside. Rubbing her eyes, she pushed open the window to find a dozen luxury cars parked before the villa, uniformed staff unloading gleaming rosewood trunks that lined the street into the distance.

"What's..." She froze.

Vincent stood in the courtyard with a complicated expression. Seeing her awake, he looked up wryly. "Someone's come with a marriage proposal."

"Who?"

"The Prescotts." Vincent massaged his temples. "They say they're here to marry my daughter."

Sophia and Ethan, who had just stepped out, both stiffened.