"How's Austin “Nicole's voice caught in her throat at the sight of the frail child.

The nanny turned to Nicole and gently squeezed her hand. "Miss, don't worry. His temperature is already dropping. The doctor just gave him a shot to bring down the fever."

Only then did Nicole notice that fever-reducing patches covered Austin's forehead and underarms. His face looked more relaxed, his expression less troubled as he slept.

“What happened?" Nicole asked, confused. Wasn't Jarrod against taking Austin to a doctor?

For years, every time Nicole heard about Austin being ill, she couldn't sleep or eat properly. Although she and Austin hadn't much time together and the emotional distance often kept her from reaching out, she was always deeply concerned for him. She worried she wouldn't have enough time to see him grow up.

"It was Mr. Schultz who arranged for the doctor," the nanny explained.

She had also thought Jarrod wouldn't allow it, but after she made the call, Jarrod surprisingly agreed and had the doctor visit to treat Austin's fever.

The nanny, having accompanied Austin through similar episodes over the years, recognized the doctor's competence.

Within a few moments, the doctor identified Austin's heart problem, administered an antipyretic injection, and applied fever-reducing patches.

After leaving, the doctor seemed to have shared something with Jarrod, as Jarrod's expression grew more serious when he came back to check on Austin before leaving again.

Upon hearing the nanny's account, Nicole realized Jarrod was using Austin's illness to manipulate her return. That fucking bastard! Just as she suspected, he was willing to exploit his own child for his gain.

That was why Nicole had hidden Austin away for years, fearful he would become a pawn in Jarrod's game.

She hated Jarrod to the core but remained by Austin's side, watching over his health.

By evening, Austin briefly woke up.

Upon seeing Nicole, Austin reached out his small hand with a hint of sadness and whispered hoarsely, “Mommy, hug...”

Nicole was taken aback. Austin often clung to Roscoe but rarely acted so needy around her, usually presenting a more mature demeanor.

Perhaps his illness had left him feeling lost and vulnerable.

Still, Nicole leaned in and cradled Austin, his small, warm body fitting snugly into her embrace. He clung tightly to her, bringing warmth to her heart.

That deep trust between mother and child made Nicole willing to sacrifice herself for him endlessly.

Roscoe had taught Austin well, and now, in Roscoe's absence, Austin had taken on Roscoe's role, doing his best to console Nicole.