“All right, but I’ll have to think about it. After all, Jonathan is one of my most trusted right-hand men responsible for managing many of my. businesses,” said Lucian in a teasing tone.
“I know, but he doesn’t have to do much. He should just focus on establishing a core team. Elektra’s resignation would definitely arouse suspicions among some of the senior executives. I just need him to calm them down and reassure them, that’s all. Can’t you just loan him to me?” Roxanne pouted, acting adorably to get her way.
Lucian pulled her into his arms and nodded at once.
The next morning, Jonathan came over. Lucian instructed the kitchen to prepare some pastries and served them with coffee to Jonathan.
Both were chatting casually while enjoying the food when Lucian brought up Roxanne’s idea. Usually, Jonathan would respond by nodding and acknowledging with an “Okay.”
However, Jonathan appeared a bit apprehensive today. He looked at Lucian cautiously. “Lucian, c-can I decline?” Lucian froze upon hearing his reply and instinctively furrowed his brows.
At that moment, Jonathan thought Lucian was upset with him. He hurriedly explained, “Lucian, I know these are Roxanne’s thoughts. But I… I’m feeling a bit tired nowadays.” Lucian snapped out of his daze and quickly shook his head. “There’s no need to explain. I’m not angry.”
He looked at Jonathan with a gentle gaze. For so many years, Jonathan had been a trusted aide of his who would never say no to him.
Regardless of the decisions made and the targets set by Lucian, Jonathan would strive to execute them without any complaints. That showcased the absolute trust and chemistry between them..
Deep inside his heart, Lucian was grateful for having such a buddy who was impeccable in so many ways. However, the recent events with Elektra and Jonathan’s rejection got him thinking.
Have I been putting myself above him all this while and that’s why I never pay attention to his feelings? Or is it because of my authoritative and aggressive working style that made him fearful of me?
Whatever the reason might be, Lucian realized he had some shortcomings. Seeing the changed expression on Lucian’s face, Jonathan hesitated if he should retract his words even though he had mustered much courage earlier to reject Lucian.
In all fairness, which business leader would not be attracted to a CEO position, share ownership worth five billion, and the power to direct Flora Verba Group’s future?
“Lucian, on second thoughts, maybe I should accept the proposal. I know you and Roxanne have my interests at heart. If I join Flora Verba Group, the Queen family would be able to have a core asset.”
Jonathan had just finished speaking when Lucian waved his hand in dismissal. “Don’t misunderstand, I was just thinking about some stuff earlier. Why don’t you have a cup of coffee and take a good three minutes to think it through? I can wait for your answer.”
Seeing Jonathan’s hesitation, mixed emotions ran through Lucian. He’s always cautious and mindful of other people’s feelings, resulting in him having to suppress his true feelings. How can such a person lead a happy life?
With that, Lucian started drinking his coffee and did not respond to Jonathan’s shocked reaction. After a long while, Jonathan began to think seriously. Nobody was aware that his medical condition had deteriorated recently, and it was not looking good.
It was then he suddenly felt deeply frustrated and lost interest in everything. Sometimes, a flow of negative thoughts would enter his mind. He did not understand what exactly was wrong with him. He felt like a zombie, devoid of all emotions. He was indifferent to everything around him.
However, he could not find anyone to confide in though he once considered seeking professional help from Madilyn. But ultimately, he did not proceed with it.
He was worried about inundating other people with his negative emotions, causing them distress. A battle between rational views and sentimental thoughts was happening inside Jonathan’s mind right now.
The reason why he suddenly declined Lucian’s offer was because he was experiencing burnout. In short, he could no longer withstand further pressure.
Perhaps, not only did he need to decline the offer on Flora Verba Group, he might need a well-deserved break too.
Three minutes to Lucian was akin to the time taken to drink two cups of coffee. But to Jonathan, that three minutes was extraordinarily long. He habitually glanced at his watch and then. forced himself to pull his focus back from all the rambling thoughts. “Lucian, I…”
“Hold on!” Lucian immediately raised his palm in front of Jonathan without waiting for him to finish. He discovered that Jonathan was so precise in his time management, measuring right down to the second.
He casually used three minutes as a reference, and Jonathan took it seriously without missing a second. It must be so mentally tiring to cope with an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Lucian could not help but pity Jonathan.
“Jonathan, before you decide, I want you to know that I’ll support you unconditionally no matter what choice you make in the end. Do you understand me?” Lucian’s gaze became warmer and gentler.
Jonathan was overwhelmed with gratitude when he heard that. He nodded and forced a faint smile. “Lucian, I’m feeling drained recently. So I’d like to put things down for a while temporarily.”
As he spoke, he could not help but raise his eyes to look at 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 want to take a break. Is that all right?”
“Of course, certainly!” Lucian promptly agreed. With that, he poured Jonathan a cup of coffee and reassured him, “Listen, Jonathan. From now onwards, you can freely express whatever opinions you have to me. Do you hear me?”
Jonathan was taken aback. He could not help but think if he had done something wrong that made Lucian say those words.
“Just by looking at your expression, I know you’re overthinking again.” Lucian sighed with a heavy heart. Since when did Jonathan become like this? Did it start when I took over Farwell Group? He’s cautious about everything and constantly walks on eggshells.
I don’t deny the merits of being cautious. But it’s not healthy to constantly suppress your feelings and not be able to express yourself. No matter how well-tempered one is, there is a limit to how much one can take.
“Jonathan, from today onwards, go and take a well-deserved break. I’ll not bother you unless there’re urgent matters. Take a step back and temporarily relinquish your responsibilities. I’ll tell Cayden to take instructions from you. Let him handle everything.” Lucian stood up and patted Jonathan’s shoulder, assuring him.
As Jonathan left the mansion, he suddenly felt peace in his heart, a feeling that he had not experienced in a long while. Perhaps, it’s time for me to look into my illness seriously. I should find Madilyn and have a good talk with her.
Immediately, Jonathan drove to the hospital. Back at the mansion, Roxanne woke up after Jonathan left. When Lucian relayed Jonathan’s decision to her, she was rather shocked.
“It’s all right. I respect his decision!” Roxanne responded. “Actually, I have someone in mind who can also assume this role.” Lucian suddenly thought of a suitable candidate.
Roxanne knitted her brows and pondered for a while. But she still could not think of who else was suitable. People like Jonathan and Elektra, who were familiar with the corporate world and full of vigor and creativity, were really hard to come by.
In most cases, such talents were cultivated at a young age as they grew up in that environment. That was how prestigious families were formed and thrived. They strongly emphasized the importance of inheritance, ensuring the passing of knowledge and wealth from one generation to another.
“The person I have in mind is James Lann. He’s more than just a psychologist. He earned several accolades and awards for his achievements in business school then. It was only after he developed an interest in psychology that he started to pursue that path. That guy is a genius.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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