Chapter 1177

Chapter 1177:

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This place was meant for them.

They had initially planned to buy a house, but the villagers insisted that it was fate that had brought them there, offering them a house where a century-old couple had lived and died together, claiming it brought good luck and blessings.

Nicole immediately fell in love with the house. It had a main building with three rooms, a well and a large courtyard decorated with fragrant osmanthus that bloomed in summer.

And so, they made it their home.

To show his gratitude, Roscoe began offering free medical checkups and prescriptions to the village's elderly.

Given the village's remote location, more than sixty miles from the nearest town, Roscoe acquired a motorcycle and a tricycle to make getting around easier.

To accommodate Nicole's sensitivity to the cold, she planned to use the motorcycle during the warmer months and the tricycle in the winter.

At first, in order to remain unnoticed, they remained within the boundaries of the village for three whole months.

Luckily, the village was a haven of self-sufficiency, with everything they needed, including fruits, vegetables, chicken, duck and fish.

After the first three months, Roscoe began making weekly trips to the nearby village. He brought essential items for the villagers and kept abreast of the latest developments in Ardlens. He discovered that Jarrod was the subject of a judicial investigation into a scandal involving his abusive behavior, which had significantly damaged his reputation.

Amid Jarrod's challenges, the Schultz Group's shareholders banded together to oust him. Officially, they claimed Jarrod was on sick leave, but the consensus was clear. His career was all but over.

But Jarrod was not one to give up easily. After staying out of the spotlight for two months, he regained support by proposing to Vicki and taking back control of the Schultz Group. He seemed to change his ways, often participating in charity events and openly displaying his love for Vicki.

Jarrod continued his career quietly, acting unaffected by Nicole's disappearance.

However, his efforts to expand the business internationally suggested that Jarrod was still pursuing Nicole, albeit more cautiously.

Fortunately, Jarrod focused the search for Nicole overseas, just as Nicole and Roscoe had anticipated and hoped. This was the reason they had kept Austin away and not brought him to town. Austin was safe living with the nanny.

Nicole video-called every Wednesday to check on Austin, who spoke to Roscoe from time to time.

Despite missing Austin terribly, Nicole limited her video calls with him.

Nicole and Roscoe wouldn't risk bringing Austin into town until they were sure it was safe. After six months of vigilant observation, they deemed the village safe and secluded enough for their needs.

They planned to bring Austin to the village in the spring. Given his delicate health, the harsh mountain winters were not suitable for him.

They planned to spend the next few years with Austin, living in the town during the spring, summer, and fall, only moving to a warmer location during the winter.

With Austin in the care of the nanny, they felt at ease. Hopefully, in a few years, when Jarrod lets his guard down, they could all live together.

Financially, they were secure.

Nicole's investments, managed in Raegan's name, sufficiently covered Austin's medical bills.

Roscoe had secretly purchased several properties. Now all they had to do was wait quietly in their isolated mountain retreat for a suitable match to emerge for Austin.

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