Austin paused, then seemed to muster bravery, reopening his mouth, and said, "Dad..."

The room fell into an immediate hush as if the softest sound echoed like a clap of thunder.

"What did you just say?" Jarrod was in disbelief and kept his voice low. "Austin, could you repeat that?"

The intensity of Jarrod's reaction frightened Austin, causing him to retreat behind Vicki, too scared to speak.

Vicki knelt and softly said, “Austin, can you tell your daddy again what you just said, please?"

Austin glanced at Vicki, then at Jarrod, pursed his lips, and repeated, “Are you feeling better, dad?" This time, his voice was stronger and more confident.

Jarrod sat up abruptly, aggravating his wound and wincing from the pain, yet he endured it desperately. He stroked Austin's head, his voice shaking as he said, "I'm okay, Austin. Daddy's okay."

That gentle pat on the head was Jarrod's deepest expression of affection. He remembered how his own father patted him on the head as a sign of encouragement and approval.

After his parents died, Jarrod shut himself away. He turned into someone relentless in his pursuits, driven by bitterness and devoid of any family sentiment, until this moment, when the single word "Dad" struck a profound chord within him. It felt like it cleansed the guilt that had been weighing on him.

His eyes reddened, and Jarrod managed a weak cough, saying, “Vicki, this isn't a place for children. Please take Austin home."

“Okay, Jarrod, take care. I've brought some soup for you," Vicki replied, pointing at a thermos on the table. She smiled. “It's beneficial for your recovery. It's hearty but not too rich, and Austin really enjoys it."

As Vicki leaned over to Austin, she smiled and said, "Tell your daddy, do you want him to try it?"

Austin nodded and said, "Dad, you should try it. Vicki spent a lot of time on it, and I really like it."

A softness appeared in Jarrod's gaze as he looked at Vicki. “Thank you for the effort. I'll have some."

Vicki's smile widened. “It's no trouble. I'm happiest when I'm cooking and preparing meals for Austin. Luckily, he enjoys it and always compliments the food."

Jarrod's gaze deepened further. He noticed Austin sporting a slight smile, clearly in a cheerful mood. It was evident that Vicki excelled at childcare.

Vicki crouched again and spoke to Austin. “Austin, say goodbye to your daddy so he can rest. We need to let him take good care of himself, alright?"

Austin agreed and said, “Dad, please take care of yourself and rest well. Can you teach me chess when you're feeling better?"

A smile spread across Jarrod's face as he responded, “Of course. Daddy will come back and teach you."

After Vicki and Austin left hand in hand, Alec expressed his admiration, "Sir, Miss Hampton has a real knack for guiding kids. How did she transform a timid boy into such a courteous and sweet young boy?"