Chapter 1923

In the room, Jones recounted past events. Lucian recognized many details as secrets James had previously shared, though James had never revealed his reasons for studying psychology. Lucian could only guess. His mood fluctuated wildly; like Jonathan, James still kept much from him.

Roxanne looked surprised, never imagining the story held so many twists. Her heart sank; she never thought the unassuming James carried such a burden. Another might have been crushed by it. Robert Zucker and the other psychologists shared somber expressions, finally understanding the origin of Yennefer's condition.

"Ms. Thompson's previous recovery was due to the placebo effect," Robert explained. "Now that we know, let's adjust the treatment plan. Mr. Lann, please excuse us for a moment. We need a meeting." Robert, a renowned psychologist who had seen many similar cases, knew that individuals with mental illness often carried a multitude of past traumas that drove them deeper into despair.

Jones led the psychologists out, seemingly oblivious to his wife's cries. But Roxanne and Lucian saw the dullness in his eyes, the numbness masking his misery. As the primary support of the Lann family, and having sacrificed so much for his mother, Jones couldn't afford to break down.

Roxanne, Lucian, and the screaming Yennefer remained. Yennefer's agitation was palpable; she wanted to find James, to punish him.

"Lucian, I'll try acupuncture to calm Mrs. Lann," Roxanne said, a melancholy look on her face. "She'll need ongoing therapy, but I can at least halt these episodes."

Lucian nodded. "Do your best, but don't overwork yourself." He approached Yennefer, quickly restraining her head as Roxanne produced three needles. Swiftly, she inserted them into Yennefer's acupuncture points. One. Two. Three. Yennefer's face relaxed as the needles were inserted. Roxanne used nine needles in total.

Yennefer calmed down, but then, unexpectedly, her eyes rolled back and she fell. Roxanne caught her.

"Lucian, quickly, undo her restraints. We'll move her to the bed."

Together, they gently placed her on the bed. Jones, perhaps noticing the cessation of Yennefer's cries, rushed in. Seeing his wife peacefully lying there, needles in her head, he understood.

"Thank you, Roxanne! You're amazing! I can't believe how quickly this worked. I've used traditional medicine before, but nothing helped," Jones exclaimed.