She swiftly snatched Austin away, enfolding him tightly against her bosom, lamenting, “Jarrod, the child is innocent. Restrain your anger, and refrain from such actions, lest he be haunted by nightmares."

Austin's coughing persisted as he remained ensconced in Vicki's embrace.

Jarrod belatedly comprehended the runaway nature of his emotions.

This incident occurred in the presence of his own son. Observing Austin's fearful gaze, he realized the extent to which his anger had terrified him.

The phrase “I'm sorry" lingered on Jarrod's tongue countless times, yet he couldn't bring himself to utter it. His fury still simmered from Austin's claim about Roscoe being his father.

"You look after him," Jarrod directed Vicki. He dreaded the resurgence of his emotional turmoil. The mere mention of Roscoe by either of Austin and Nicole threatened to unravel him entirely.

Plus, Vicki's earlier maternal instinct had stirred something within Jarrod. In comparison, Vicki seemed infinitely more dependable.

Leaving Austin in her capable hands, with Vicki's intelligence and her commitment to his happiness, she surely possessed the ability to provide excellent care for Austin. Besides, it was only temporary.

Once Austin's dedicate nanny recovered and returned, Vicki would be relieved of the burden.

Vicki's happiness radiated as she softly assured, “Jarrod, rest assured, I'll care for Austin as if he were my own."

With a nod, Jarrod departed.

Vicki gently smiled. However, it swiftly vanished.

Glancing at Austin, Vicki admonished sternly, "See? I warned you not to address your father like that, but you refused to listen. Your father won't permit you to visit your mother."

Austin remained visibly frightened, his voice strained. "Then, when can I see my mother and Roscoe?"

Vicki's mood lifted. This child could be of use to her. As long as Austin continued to mention Nicole and Roscoe in Jarrod's presence, it would likely deepen Jarrod's disdain for Austin and Nicole. And all she managed to do was exacerbate the situation.

Vicki reverted to her gentle manner, smiling as she continued, "If you wish to see them, only I can facilitate it, but you must promise to obey me."

Austin nodded in a daze.

Meanwhile, in the hospital ward, Nicole roused from sleep, her mind swirling with too many thoughts, rendering slumber unattainable.

She lay there with her eyes wide open until the afternoon when an unexpected visitor made a sudden appearance in her ward.

Vicki strolled into Nicole's ward uninvited and settled herself beside Nicole's hospital bed with a casual grin. "Hey Nicole, here again? How's everything?"