Since childhood, Austin had always been reserved and rarely shared his feelings, likely inheriting his fatherâs temperament.
The nanny knew there wasnât much she could do.
Sheâd heard from Nicole that Austinâs 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 wouldnât 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 Austinâs 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 didnât want to challenge Jarrod outright.
She quietly stepped aside, gently urging, âMr.
Schultz, Miss Lawrence has been up all night.
She needs her restâ¦â
Her voice trailed off under Jarrodâs intense gaze, and she fell silent.
Jarrodâs tone was ice-cold.
âStick to your duties.
Iâm only saying this once.
â
The nanny stood helplessly as Jarrod took Nicole away, watching as he carefully raised his hand to shield Nicoleâs 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, Nicoleâs eyes opened.
The very next moment, Nicole headed barefoot to the medicine cabinet in Jarrodâs 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.
Proving that Jarrod was on psychiatric medication could demonstrate that he was not suitable to raise the child.
Raising a child was risky for someone whose mental health could deteriorate at any moment.
She couldnât find the medicine in the cabinet.
Stretching on tiptoes, she tried to reach the top shelf for the medicine box, but it was too high.
Left with no other option, Nicole fetched a stool to retrieve the medicine box.
As she grabbed the medicine box, she forgot she was still perched on the stool.
She swayed and was about to fall Silently, she covered her mouth, fearing a cry might draw attention.