"Vicki is here?" Jarrod's gaze intensified.

The maid hastily responded, "Yes, Miss Hampton is upstairs, keeping Austin company. I descended to prepare some pumpkin porridge for him."

Jarrod scowled. Since Austin's arrival, Vicki hadn't been brought here again.

Despite Vicki expressing her desire to visit Austin, Jarrod seemed unaccountably unwilling.

“Who permitted her entry?" Jarrod's displeasure was evident.

The maid was startled. Wasn't Vicki his fiancée? Why did Jarrod deny her entry?

Alec promptly clarified, "Mr. Schultz, I escorted Miss Hampton here. She mentioned having left behind an earring in the villa, and upon her arrival, a particular circumstance arose. Austin's usual nanny fell suddenly ill. I arranged for the nanny to be taken to the hospital, and Miss Hampton volunteered to care for him."

Despite Alec's lengthy explanation, Jarrod's furrowed brow remained unrelieved.

In haste, Alec uttered, “I was unaware that Miss Hampton hadn't departed yet..."

Before he could conclude, Jarrod had already ascended the stairs toward Austin's room.

The door flung open with force.

Just as Jarrod poised to speak, he beheld Vicki reclining beside Austin's bed, her eyes narrowed as if succumbing to slumber from exhaustion. A basin of water and a cloth lay nearby, while another cloth adorned Austin's forehead.

The maid who trailed behind hastened to clarify, “Last night, Austin inexplicably developed a fever. Miss Hampton tended to him throughout the night, adamantly refusing medication, citing Austin's frail constitution. She opted for physical cooling instead. Despite our entreaties for her to rest, her concern for Austin prevailed, compelling her to remain by his side...”

Jarrod's demeanor softened upon hearing this.

Vicki appeared to be roused by the commotion. She opened her eyes drowsily and beheld Jarrod, her countenance brightening. “Jarrod, you've returned."

Jarrod nodded before suggesting, “If you're tired, grab some rest in the guest room."

Vicki said, "I'm not tired." She then deftly checked Austin's temperature with her hand, demonstrating the proficiency seemingly acquired from last night's extensive monitoring.

A long sigh of relief escaped her, accompanied by a joyful proclamation, “His fever has finally subsided. I was so scared."

Vicki's concern appeared genuine. Jarrod said, "You should rest now.”

Just then, Austin stirred awake and caught sight of Jarrod, promptly inquiring, “Mr. Schultz, where is my mother?"