Chapter 1228

Chapter 1228:

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Perhaps his illness had made him feel lost and vulnerable.

Still, Nicole leaned over and cradled Austin, his small, warm body fitting perfectly into her embrace. He held on tightly to her, warming her heart.

That deep trust between mother and son made Nicole willing to sacrifice herself for him endlessly.

Roscoe had taught Austin well, and now, in Roscoe's absence, Austin had taken on Roscoe's role, doing his best to comfort Nicole.

The nanny looked at him with joy. Austin had always distanced himself, believing that Nicole didn't love him. What added to the complexity was that Nicole seemed distant and cold around Austin, despite her concern for him, almost as if she were holding back.

In reality, Nicole didn't want Austin to depend on her too much, so that when he finally had to leave, he wouldn't tear her world apart.

Nicole felt like her own life was coming to an end, but Austin's was just beginning. She didn't want to be the cause of his anguish.

After the nanny fed Austin a little, the doctor advised them to keep a close eye on Austin overnight because he might get a fever again.

Nicole immediately decided to stay by Austin's side.

Fever normally boosts immunity, but in Austin's case it was life-threatening because of his heart condition. Nicole couldn't bear to leave.

The housekeeper Jarrod had hired and the nanny took turns caring for Austin, but the nanny was already exhausted. Nicole sent the nanny to rest and she took over, settling into the recliner next to Austin's bed.

She wrapped herself in a blanket, determined to keep watch.

Jarrod's assistant tried her best to help, but Austin didn't quite accept her since she was new to him.

Sick children tend to be fussier than normal, and apart from the nanny, Austin only wanted Nicole. Even in his most difficult moments, he would reject Nicole, he only wanted the nanny.

During the night, Austin's temperature rose again. Nicole patiently changed his pads and encouraged him to drink water. She stayed by his side through the night, and when the sun came up, so did Austin's fever.

Nicole sighed in relief, exhausted. She leaned back in her chair and fell into a deep sleep.

When the nanny arrived to take over, she noticed Nicole sleeping in the chair and was concerned that she was uncomfortable. She tried calling out to her gently to wake her up and let her rest in the bed. “Miss?” she called out, but Nicole did not respond.

Nicole, who was already in poor health, was sleeping soundly after the order.

The nanny reached out to wake Nicole, but a firm, slender hand reached her first.

Jarrod effortlessly lifted Nicole into his arms.

Surprised, the nanny stammered, “Mr. Schultz…”

But Jarrod's sharp gaze silenced her. In a low, firm voice, he warned her, "Your job is to keep an eye on Austin."

If it weren't for Austin's mysterious crying fits at night, Jarrod would have already fired the babysitter.

Upon being brought here, the nanny immediately recognized Jarrod as Austin's biological father. The resemblance was uncanny, as if they had been sculpted from the same mold. Even their speech and gestures were identical.

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