For her, who could not savor flavors, all food was as tasteless as cardboard, making no meal preferable over another.

Yet, Roscoe saw it differently. He believed she should revisit some of her once-favored dishes. Even without taste, the act of eating cherished meals carried a different sentiment.

Roscoe tenderly took Nicole's hand, his demeanor gentle yet imploring in a charmingly persuasive way. "Nicole, please stay. The nanny will arrive shortly. Could you wait for me in the adjacent suite?"

Roscoe often gave Nicole a sense of stability, though his younger age sometimes showed through his playful pleading with her.

His tone was earnest, and paired with his neat, attractive appearance, his playful requests didn't seem forced or insincere.

Nicole found such appeals hard to resist. It was rare for a woman to withstand the charm of a “younger brother" figure who oscillated between showing strength and vulnerability.

Roscoe was aware of this, reserving such tactics for moments they were most needed. He understood that overdoing it could render it tiresome and ineffective.

Noticing Nicole's reluctance, he assured her, “Just thirty minutes.

I'll be back quickly.”

The breakfast spot was some distance away. He promised to make haste.

Nicole, reluctant to quash his enthusiasm, conceded with a nod, “Alright, I'll wait for you."

With a broad smile, Roscoe happily accepted the keys and departed.

Upon the nanny's arrival, Nicole, wishing to avoid Austin's gaze, slipped into the adjacent room.

Considering it was still quite early, she opted for a shower. Freshly showered and clothed, she was greeted by the doorbell.

Anticipating Roscoe, Nicole opened the door with a welcoming smile.

“That was fast..."

To her astonishment, it was Jarrod who stood before her.

Nicole's smile stunned instantly.

Seeing her smile, intended for someone else, made Jarrod's heart constrict. A pang of discomfort surged through him, marring his otherwise handsome expression. His expression hardened, and his eyes grew intense, "Has he left?"

Jarrod attempted to enter. Nicole's immediate worry was for Austin in the adjacent suite. She feared Jarrod might discover Austin's existence. Absolutely not!