Chapter 243: Treatment

At first, Sophia believed that Vivian chose to commit suicide here because she studied psychology and hypnosis here. She thought that this knowledge had warped Vivian's mind, leading to tragic consequences. Overwhelmed by guilt for her actions, Vivian ultimately decided to jump off the building.

But was there a possibility that it wasn't for this reason?

Jade looked down for a moment, then returned to the office and closed the window.

Sophia glanced at James behind her and said, "I've always been very curious about something, and I need you to tell me."

James replied indifferently, "Go ahead."

Sophia hesitated and asked, "Do you know that Ms. Marie hypnotized you today?"

James thought for a moment, "I realized it afterward."

Sophia exhaled, "So how did she hypnotize you?"

"Logically, to hypnotize someone, she needs the cooperation of the person being hypnotized. You are a very guarded person. How could you be easily hypnotized by her? I can't understand it."

James looked up at the office building and replied coldly, "If I told you I don't know either, would you believe me?"

"That's impossible." Sophia couldn't understand, "I've studied psychology and hypnosis. In front of someone with strong defenses and high alertness, completing hypnosis is almost impossible, even for a hypnosis expert."

James expressed heavily, "But that's the truth, and I even had a beautiful dream."

Sophia asked curiously, "What dream?"

James didn't answer. He just looked up at the office building above him in silence.

Sophia bit her lip and claimed, "I need you to go up with me. I want to experience her hypnosis. If her hypnosis skills are that extraordinary, then Vivian must be very skilled too."

James thought for a moment, "I don't recommend you go."

Sophia asked in confusion, "Why?"

James replied seriously, "Because it was enjoyable at the time, but thinking back on it, it felt terrifying."

Sophia could understand this feeling. When a person finds themselves out of control and under someone else's manipulation, it feels like a nightmare, especially for someone as guarded as James. After experiencing it firsthand, it would make one feel even more fearful and uneasy, even exacerbating their inner fears.

Sophia thought for a moment and calmly proposed, "You accompany me, then stand at the door, don't move, don't touch anything, and don't interact with her."

James was silent for a moment and then nodded, "Okay."

"What are you two talking about?" Alan stood nearby, looking confused. "How did this get related to hypnosis?"

Sophia turned her head. "Don't pay attention to things you shouldn't."

Alan murmured helplessly, "How do I know what I should and shouldn't pay attention to?"

Sophia remarked firmly, "When I'm not talking to you, you shouldn't listen."

Alan looked helpless and took a few steps back, "You guys talk, pretend I wasn't here."

Sophia pointed to the roof, "When you have time, remember to tell me the inspection information up there."

Alan made an OK gesture and walked away.

Sophia stood still to calm herself down, then walked towards the office building. She walked to Jade's office door and gently knocked.

Jade's clear voice came from inside, "Come in."

Sophia pushed the door open and waved at Jade, "Ms. Marie, sorry to bother you."

Jade smiled, "It's okay, I'm happy you came."

Sophia walked in, and James stopped at the door, not entering the room.

Jade was very nice, pouring them both a glass of water and placing it on the table.

"You came to see me, it must be about Vivian, right?" Jade pushed the water cup over and looked at Sophia.

Sophia nodded, "That's right, I think you saw earlier, Vivian committed suicide."

She stared into Jade's eyes, "As her teacher, you must know her well. Do you know if she had any psychological issues?"

Jade nodded and remarked calmly, "Everyone has some psychological issues to some extent, and Vivian is no exception."

Sophia asked curiously, "What issues did she have?"

Jade thought for a moment and expressed, "I once did psychological therapy for her. She experienced something terrible in her childhood, which cast a shadow over her growth, leading to some psychological distortion. She was somewhat antisocial."

Sophia asked, "Do you know what she went through?"

Jade nodded, "When she was very young, her parents abandoned her, which left her with no sense of security. She had a cat, but she was afraid the cat would leave, so she killed it and buried it under a flowerpot in her bedroom. She thought that way, the cat would never leave her."

Sophia knew Vivian might be mentally unstable, but she didn't expect it to be this twisted.

Jade continued, "Of course, as I said, everyone has some psychological issues, whether due to their family, life difficulties, work setbacks, or others' humiliation, which can all burden our mental health."

"So, in my view, Vivian's situation wasn't very serious. I thought I could resolve her issues within a year with some therapy, as I have helped countless people out of their shadows."

Sophia looked at her, "But you didn't succeed, did you?"

Jade sighed, "Yeah, I definitely ran into some issues with her. Her resistance was too strong, making it difficult to treat her."

Sophia asked, "What about me? I have some psychological issues too. Can you treat me?"

Jade raised her hand. "Tell me about it."

Sophia expressed heavily, "I've been troubled by a case recently, feeling very distressed, and haven't been sleeping well. I feel like I'm about to have a mental breakdown."

Jade replied gently, "I can try to help you."

She picked up the kettle, "Drink the water, and I'll pour you another cup."

Sophia drank the water in one gulp, and Jade refilled her cup. Sophia drank it again.

Jade pointed to the rocking chair beside her, "Lie down on it."

Sophia lay on the rocking chair and quietly closed her eyes.

Jade leaned close to her ear and began to speak softly.

"Imagine yourself as a detective, James's partner, trapped in a dark place, waiting for him to rescue you."

"At this moment, you can't move, but you feel an unprecedented sense of security."

"Because you know he will come, and he is nearby."