Since childhood, Austin had always been reserved and rarely shared his feelings, likely inheriting his father's temperament.

The nanny knew there wasn't much she could do. She'd heard from Nicole that Austin's biological father was a shrewd man with a strong desire for control.

Nicole had warned the nanny against confronting Jarrod if she ever crossed paths with him. If he was determined to take Austin away, she should let him, knowing that he wouldn't hurt Austin but might harm others.

Thankfully, the nanny had acted wisely, grabbing a pile of medications and pointing out that Austin was frail and only she knew the proper dosage, making her presence by Austin's side crucial.

Only then did Jarrod reluctantly agree to bring her along.

Now in the villa, the nanny got to know Jarrod better through those around him. Though he was strict, he generally kept to himself unless provoked, rules were broken, or lines were crossed.

With Austin now down with a fever, the nanny didn't want to challenge Jarrod outright. She quietly stepped aside, gently urging, "Mr. Schultz, Miss Lawrence has been up all night. She needs her rest..."

Her voice trailed off under Jarrod's intense gaze, and she fell silent.

Jarrod's tone was ice-cold. "Stick to your duties. I'm only saying this once."

The nanny stood helplessly as Jarrod took Nicole away, watching as he carefully raised his hand to shield Nicole's head from the doorframe.

All the nanny could do was hope that Jarrod would treat Nicole with kindness.

Carrying Nicole, Jarrod made his way to his room. He kicked the door open and laid her gently on the large bed.

Suddenly, his arms felt oddly empty. He realized he yearned for the sensation of her petite, compliant form against him just moments ago.

Lying on her side, Nicole slept soundly, her disheveled hair partially covering her face and hiding her delicate features. Only her full, cherry-red lips were visible, captivatingly beautiful.

Her lips, naturally crimson, stood out, delicate and lovely.

Jarrod leaned in close, fighting the urge to do more, and gently tucked her stray hair behind her ear.

After gazing at her for a long moment, he mused that she should remain this peaceful and obedient forever.

When the sound of the door closing faded, Nicole's eyes opened.

The very next moment, Nicole headed barefoot to the medicine cabinet in Jarrod's bedroom.

Nicole knew that to win back custody of Austin, she needed solid proof. She recalled how Jarrod used to take those special pills to keep his mind balanced, but they came from a doctor he saw outside the usual hospital. He had never received a prescription from a hospital.