The way Austin addressed Jarrod struck a chord in Jarrod, instantly contorting his expression into one of intense displeasure.

Vicki urgently grasped Austin's arm and said gently, “Austin, he's your father. You can't address him as Mr. Schultz."

Austin gazed at Jarrod, yet refrained from addressing him as "dad".

Ultimately, he bypassed formalities and queried directly, "Where's my mother?"

Jarrod, on the brink of turning away, halted at the sound, delivering a cold declaration, “Your custody now belongs to me. Henceforth, Vicki assumes the role of your mother. Keep that in mind."

Upon hearing this, Vicki's heart soared with joy. Her efforts hadn't been futile, after all.

Inducing illness in Austin and then seemingly tending to him throughout the night had proven advantageous, earning her favor.

“No! I don't want that!" Austin shouted. “I have my own mother. I don't want anyone else to replace her. You're a wicked person!"

Austin abruptly leaped from the bed and sprinted toward Jarrod, pummeling Jarrod with his small fists as he exclaimed, "You cruel man, give me back my mother! Give her back..."

Jarrod silently departed.

Alec, compelled by necessity, urged, “Austin, speaking to your father in such a manner is unacceptable."

“He isn't!" Austin vehemently exclaimed. "He's not! In my heart, Roscoe is my father!"

Jarrod halted, his gaze piercing, as he uttered, “What did you just say?"

"I said Roscoe is my father, my only father."

Jarrod seized Austin's collar, his eyes ablaze with fury. “Silence! I am your damn father, and I will remain so for the entirety of your life!"

As a mere child, how could Austin endure Jarrod's wrathful demeanor?

Tears streamed down his face instantly. Nevertheless, he persisted, "No... You're not..."

Jarrod seized Austin's collar from behind and swiftly elevated him to a considerable height.

Austin, gripped by a fear of heights and a sense of suffocation, quickly began to turn purple in the face.

“Jarrod!" Vicki's outcry reverberated, jolting Jarrod back to his senses.