Chapter 1898

Three minutes felt like two cups of coffee to Lucian. But to Jonathan, those three minutes stretched into an eternity. He repeatedly glanced at his watch, forcing himself to quell the swirling thoughts in his head.

“Lucian, I…”

“Hold on!” Lucian instantly raised a hand, silencing Jonathan before he could finish. He’d noticed Jonathan’s precise timekeeping, down to the second. Lucian’s casual use of “three minutes” had been taken quite literally. He couldn’t help but feel pity for Jonathan’s apparent obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

“Jonathan, before you decide, I want you to know I’ll support you unconditionally, regardless of your choice. Do you understand?” Lucian’s gaze softened.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Jonathan nodded, forcing a weak smile. “Lucian, I’m feeling drained lately. I’d like to step back for a while.” He looked up, seeking Lucian’s reaction.

Seeing Lucian’s nod of approval, Jonathan continued, “I appreciate Roxanne’s kindness. Perhaps you could give me some time. I think I need a break. Is that alright?”

“Of course,” Lucian readily agreed, pouring Jonathan a cup of coffee. “Listen, Jonathan. From now on, feel free to express any opinions you have to me. Do you hear me?”

Jonathan was startled, wondering if he’d done something wrong.

“Just by looking at your expression, I know you’re overthinking again,” Lucian sighed. “Since when did you become like this? Did it start when I took over Farwell Group? You’re so cautious, constantly walking on eggshells.”

“I don’t deny the value of caution, but it’s unhealthy to constantly suppress your feelings. There’s a limit to how much anyone can endure.”

“Jonathan, from today onwards, take a well-deserved break. I won’t bother you unless it’s urgent. Relinquish your responsibilities temporarily. I’ll tell Cayden to report to you; let him handle everything.” Lucian stood, patting Jonathan’s shoulder.

As Jonathan left the mansion, a long-absent peace settled over him. Perhaps it’s time to address my illness seriously. I should talk to Madilyn. He immediately drove to the hospital.

Back at the mansion, Roxanne awoke after Jonathan’s departure. Lucian relayed Jonathan’s decision, to her surprise.

“It’s alright. I respect his decision,” Roxanne replied.

“Actually, I have someone in mind who could also fill this role,” Lucian said, a suitable candidate suddenly occurring to him.

Roxanne frowned, pondering. People like Jonathan and Elektra—familiar with the corporate world, full of energy and creativity—were rare. Such talent was often cultivated from a young age within the environment of prestigious families, who emphasized inheritance and the generational transmission of knowledge and wealth.

“The person I have in mind is James Lann. He’s more than just a psychologist. He excelled in business school before pursuing psychology. That guy’s a genius.”

However, the thought of James instantly filled Lucian with irritation.