The nanny looked on with joy. Austin had always distanced himself, believing Nicole didn't love him. What added to the complexity was Nicole appeared distant and cold when around Austin, despite her concern for him, almost as if she were holding herself back.

Actually, Nicole didn't want Austin to rely too much on her, so when she eventually had to leave, it wouldn't shatter his world.

Nicole felt her own life was nearing its end, but Austin's was only just beginning. She didn't want to be the cause of his heartbreak.

After the nanny fed Austin a little, the doctor advised them to keep a close watch on Austin overnight because his fever might return.

Nicole immediately decided to stay by Austin's side.

Typically, a fever would strengthen immunity, but for Austin, it was life-threatening because of his heart condition. Nicole couldn't bear to leave.

The maid Jarrod had arranged and the nanny took turns caring for Austin, but the nanny was already worn out. Nicole sent the nanny to rest and she took over, settling into the recliner by Austin's bed.

She wrapped herself in a blanket, determined to keep watch.

Jarrod's maid tried her best to help, but Austin didn't accept her fully, as she was new to him.

Sick children tend to be fussier than usual, and besides the nanny, Austin only wanted Nicole. Even at his most difficult moments, he would refuse Nicole, only wanting the nanny.

During the night, Austin's temperature rose again. Nicole patiently changed his compresses and encouraged him to drink water. She stayed by his side all night, and as dawn broke, so did Austin's fever.

Nicole sighed deeply with relief, exhausted. She leaned back in the chair and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

When the nanny arrived to take over, she noticed Nicole sleeping in the chair and worried it wasn't comfortable. She tried calling out gently to wake Nicole up and let Nicole rest in bed. "Miss?" she called, but Nicole didn't respond.

Already in poor health, Nicole was sleeping deeply after the ordeal.

The nanny reached out to nudge Nicole awake, but a firm, lean hand reached her first.

Jarrod lifted Nicole effortlessly into his arms.

Surprised, the nanny stammered, “Mr. Schultz..."

But Jarrod's sharp gaze silenced her. In a low, firm voice, he warned, “Your job is to watch over Austin."

If it hadn't been for Austin's mysterious crying fits at night, Jarrod would have already fired the nanny.

Upon being brought here, the nanny recognized Jarrod immediately as Austin's biological father. The resemblance was striking, as if they had been carved from the same mold. Even their manner of speaking and gestures mirrored each other.