Chapter 1433

Chapter 1433:

? ? ? ? ?

At Austin's words, both the nanny's and Vicki's expressions changed dramatically. This boy was sharper than they had expected.

He had noticed that they were giving the medicine to Kamilah, something they had done very quietly. And most surprisingly of all, she had discreetly spat out the medicine.

Given Austin's fragile health, Vicki had calculated that it wouldn't take more than three feedings for him to die. She never thought this little guy could be so smart…

In an attempt to salvage the situation, Vicki tried to dismiss his claims. “Austin, you're just scared and imagining things. Come here with me.”

Vicki stared at Austin, silently urging him to get back in his place.

Normally, Austin would listen to Vicki, but not this time. Instead, he burst into tears and screamed, “Vicki, please stop looking at me… I’m so scared…”

Her crying caught everyone off guard.

Austin had been here a long time and had never shed tears. He was usually reserved and rarely cried or laughed.

Her crying now tugged unexpectedly at Jarrod's heart, even though he generally disapproved of boys displaying such emotions.

But Austin was still a child. He was fragile and undeniably charming. His watery eyes elicited sympathy.

Nicole put her arms around Austin and calmed his sobs by patting him gently on the back. “Austin, it's okay. Don't be scared. Mommy's here now. “I won’t leave you again.”

Caught off guard, an uncomfortable edge to her voice, she tried to amuse the conversation. “Austin… What do you mean?” I wasn't looking at you. Maybe you saw him wrong?”

Vicki tried to persuade him: “Austin, you remember our deal, right? “You have to behave and not lie.”

In reality, Vicki was just reinforcing their previous agreement. If Austin didn't listen to her, she would prevent him from seeing Nicole.

Vicki believed that children were simple creatures. A little treat usually kept them in line.

Vicki warned, “Lying boys will grow long noses. Come on, Austin. Be a good boy and get over here.”

But Austin didn't just ignore Vicki. I burst into tears even more.

Terror was etched on his face.

“You gave me the dirty look again…” Austin stepped back into Nicole’s arms.

With trembling lips she said to Nicole, “Mommy, she did more than just give me dirty looks. She pinched me. She also threatened me that if I didn't obey her, I wouldn't see you again..."

Turning to Jarrod with eyes wide with fear, Austin said, “Dad, is it true what Vicki said? I was so afraid of never seeing my mommy again that I did everything she told me to. I'm so scared… That mean babysitter told me that the tainted soy milk was Vicki's idea. “She wants to kill me… I didn’t dare disobey her.”

As Austin spoke these words, the air around him grew heavy and cold.

Vicki felt like she was suddenly under a guillotine. Austin had been playing with her the whole time. He had set a trap for her, waiting for her to fall right in.

I was amazed that such a small child could be so deviously cunning. It was downright terrifying.

Jarrod's expression turned stormy as he approached Austin. He crouched down and grabbed Austin's shoulders.

"No, you can always see your mommy. No one is going to hurt her. Daddy will make sure no one ever hurts you."

Austin's eyes filled with tears and he looked at Vicki as he asked Jarrod, "Daddy, can you protect me and my mommy from her?"

Jarrod reassured her: “You and your mom are going to be okay. “I promise.”

Austin let out a sigh of relief and snuggled deeper into Nicole's arms.

.

.

.