After a brief reflection, Jarrod sent Vicki a message.
On the other side.
In the car, the sweet demeanor Austin had earlier was gone, replaced by a withdrawn and cold look as he faced Vicki. He appeared slightly scared and uncomfortable. You had promised me that if Im behaving, I will get to see my mommy, right?
Vicki now wore a cold, detached expression, her previous gentle facade gone. She responded in a stern tone, Austin, you need to try harder. The chance to see your mommy depends on making your father truly happy.
Austin was somewhat deflected. He was naturally introverted and had already stretched his social skills to the max for the earlier performance in Jarrods presence. Yet, he kept pushing himself, driven by Vickis assurance that if he could make Jarrod happy, he would get to see his mother.
But adults often masked their feelings well. It was hard for Austin to judge Jarrods mood. He was too young to grasp the complexities of Jarrods feelings.
Actually, Jarrod was quite pleased just then, compared with his usual self.
Austin bowed his head, anxiously fidgeting with his fingers. He desperately wanted to see his mother.
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Suddenly, Vickis phone beeped with a message from Jarrod. It was concise and clear. Get prepared for the wedding.
No shit! Vicki erupted into laughter, tears of joy welling in her eyes. She knew it! She had bet on the right horse! Jarrod did care about Austin and making him believe she treated Austin tenderly had made a difference.
Vickis face softened significantly. She bent down to Austin and whispered, Your father said you did well earlier. Just a bit more effort and youll get to see your mommy.
Austins eyes widened in hopeful surprise. Really?
Absolutely. Not only will you see your mother, but youll also get to live happily with her, Vicki said, her eyes flashing with malice.
She vowed to deal with Nicole and Austin once she achieved her objectives, tying up any loose ends and making them vanish for good.
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Austins face beamed with hope to reunite with Nicole, oblivious to Vickis ulterior motives. The mere thought of seeing Nicole again after all these days filled him with joy.
Seizing the moment to capture a photo of Austins joyful face, Vicki sent Austin back and had the nanny take care of his evening routine.
Only when Austin went to bed did she text Jarrod back. I have been playing with Austin and only saw your message just now. Im so thrilled you want to make this official. I love you.
She attached the photo of Austins genuine smile she had captured earlier and sent it off to Jarrod.
Then, Vicki exchanged a knowing look with the nanny taking care of Austins evening routine, who nodded and followed her.
Vicki moved to a secluded corner, away from any surveillance, and asked, Hows that nanny holding up lately?
Vicki was referring to the nanny originally responsible for Austins care, arranged by Nicole. That nanny truly cared for Austin and would never hurt him. No amount of money could sway her loyalty.
Therefore, Vicki had resorted to poisoning this loyal nanny, stealthily administering small doses of poison in the latters food and beverages. Over a month, the toxins built up, and the nanny fell sick as expected.
Subsequently, the loyal nanny was in no condition to continue caring for Austin. Within the hospital Vicki had arranged, no doctors could pinpoint the exact issue, attributing the nannys symptoms to gastrointestinal troubles.
Concerned, the loyal nanny was reluctant to leave Austins side since Nicole had entrusted Austins care to her. She considered Austin almost her own, determined to protect him.