Chapter 4

Camila's POV

After Lucas returned to our family, our lives gradually settled into a peaceful routine. Though he still seemed somewhat politely distant when interacting with family members, I felt incredibly happy to have two brothers.

What surprised me even more was the intelligence Lucas displayed.

This kid was absolutely BRILLIANT.

Last week, I accompanied Lucas to the University of Miami's Marine Research Institute. When we walked into that modern lab filled with high-tech equipment, Lucas's eyes filled with awe and excitement.

"My God, this equipment is so advanced," Lucas said, gently touching a marine biological analyzer.

"Want to give it a try?" Professor Martinez approached us with a friendly smile.

"Really? I can?" Lucas looked at him in disbelief.

"Of course. Ms. Santos told me you're very interested in marine biology."

What happened next shocked everyone present. Lucas expertly operated various instruments, analyzing the chemical composition of seawater samples. His professional knowledge and technical skills even surpassed those of some graduate students.

"This is truly remarkable," Professor Martinez marveled. "Lucas, where did you learn all this marine knowledge?"

"I just have a special connection with the ocean," Lucas replied humbly. "I've loved observing marine life since I was little."

"Would you like to join our coral reef conservation project?" Professor Chen asked excitedly. "We really need talented students like you."

A brilliant smile spread across Lucas's face. "I'd be honored to participate in such a project."

Watching Lucas—my biological brother—perform so excellently filled me with enormous pride.

"You're absolutely amazing, Lucas," I couldn't help praising him after our visit. "You're way smarter than Diego. That guy can't do anything except surf."

But Lucas's reaction surprised me. His smile instantly disappeared, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes.

"I'm not better than him," Lucas said quietly. "Diego is so cheerful, so popular. Everyone loves him."

There was something strange in his tone...

I suddenly remembered last weekend's family gathering. Uncle Eduardo had been praising both boys. "The Santos children are all so outstanding—it's really enviable."

"Yes, I'm proud of them," I had responded.

But thinking back now, I remembered Lucas's expression... He had been quietly observing Diego's every move. When Diego told jokes that made everyone laugh, when Diego showed off his surfing trophies, when relatives surrounded Diego with praise...

Lucas's gaze... sometimes it was really strange.

What was in that look? Envy? Jealousy? Or something else?

I began worrying whether Lucas resented Diego for taking the identity and position that should have been his. After all, for eighteen years, Diego had enjoyed everything that should have belonged to Lucas—family love, a privileged life, a wonderful upbringing...

How could I resolve any resentment Lucas might harbor?

Just as I was troubled by this, things began to take a turn.

Six AM, Miami Beach.

The waves were perfect, and the training atmosphere was intense. Diego was doing final sprint training for the upcoming Florida Surf Championship.

"These waves are really awesome! Camila, watch me conquer these big ones!" Diego shouted excitedly at me, then skillfully charged toward the waves.

I sat in my beach chair, laughing and shaking my head. This guy was always so confident.

"He really has talent," a gentle voice said behind me.

I turned around to see Lucas approaching with two cups of coffee.

"How come you're up so early?" I took the coffee, asking in surprise.

"I wanted to watch Diego train," Lucas sat down beside me. "As his big brother, I should support him."

Big brother? Though Lucas was indeed a few days older than Diego, hearing this term still surprised me.

Just then, Diego emerged from the water looking somewhat confused.

"Strange, today's conditions are a bit off," he walked over, toweling his hair. "Feels like the current direction has changed."

Lucas immediately stood up and walked to the water's edge, carefully observing for a while.

"You're right," he turned back to Diego. "The tidal change came half an hour earlier than expected. And look at the water color over there—there might be an undertow. You need to be careful."

"Really?" Diego asked seriously. "How can you tell?"

"The water color, wave patterns, seabird flight paths..." Lucas patiently explained. "These are all important indicators for reading ocean conditions."

"Wow, you know so much!" Diego said excitedly. "Could you teach me? I want to learn how to read the ocean's signals."

"Of course," Lucas's face showed a genuine smile. "Understanding the ocean is basic knowledge for every surfer."

For the next hour, Lucas detailed various oceanographic knowledge to Diego. He pointed out where the undertows were, which areas had waves better suited for practice, and even predicted how conditions would change over the next few hours.

"After following Lucas's advice, my performance really improved," Diego told me excitedly after training. "He's like an ocean prophet!"

"Lucas really understands the ocean," I said with genuine admiration.

Watching the two brothers get along so harmoniously, my earlier worries gradually faded.

Maybe I had overthought things. Lucas wasn't jealous of Diego—on the contrary, he was caring for his younger brother in his own way.