Chapter 463 Memories Tampered With
Patricia felt the tension within her unwind. Leaning back in the chair, she found herself relaxing without even realizing it. "Yes, I did start off as a doctor. Discovering jewelry design was quite unexpected. I've found a new level of fulfillment in it; my affection for the craft seems to grow day by day."
Having finished feeding the fish, Jackson returned the fish food to the cabinet and wiped his hands with a tissue. "I saw the jewelry design contest that you participated in not long ago. Your talent for jewelry design is truly exceptional. No wonder Jeremy holds you in such high regard."
The rhythmic 'tick, tick, tick' of the Newton's cradle filled the air. Each successive click resonated through Patricia's eardrums and into her brain.
Jackson's voice was gentle, like a soft breeze caressing the inner ear. Patricia felt soothed and relaxed, she smiled without responding directly to his praise.
Changing the subject, Jackson asked, "What kind of hobbies do you have, Patricia? Like gardening or keeping fish. I'm quite fond of fishkeeping myself."
Patricia wondered why he was veering off-topic instead of focusing on the therapy session, but conversing with him was comforting, so she didn't press the issue and replied, "I enjoy raising my kids."
Jackson let out an unrestrained snort; his laughter had a hint of mischief and an intriguing touch of charm to it.
"Mrs. Watson, you've got quite a sense of humor," he said, thinking that with such a frank disposition, she couldn't possibly be a murderer.
Patricia blinked. Humor? She was just stating the facts. Yet, these casual discussions with him helped her nerves to relax even more. Her body's weight settled into the back of the chair, and she involuntarily closed her eyes.
At first, her mind was alert, but as Jackson's voice continued to echo around her, like melodious background music, it seeped soothingly into her soul. The crisp sound of the Newton's cradle seemed to become more frequent, quicker, like the beating of a heart.
"Ms. Watson, how did an international lady like you..."
Patricia faintly heard Jackson talking. She opened her mouth to reply but found her body devoid of strength, her lips heavy as if filled with lead, unable to part. After struggling for a moment, she surrendered to the weight of sleep.
In her dream, Patricia found herself shrouded in a white fog, her location unclear. She attempted to clear the mist by swinging her arms, but it was futile. Time seemed irrelevant until she suddenly became aware that she was on the second floor of the east wing in the Koch family estate. To her astonishment, she saw someone who looked exactly like her—another Patricia.
Frozen in place, Patricia was baffled. Why were there two of her? She wondered how she had transitioned from her therapist's office to this place. Confusion reigned until a series of knocks, "Thud, thud, thud," brought her back to the moment. She watched as her doppelgänger, hiding a kitchen knife, knocked on the study door, which soon opened, allowing the other Patricia to enter confidently.
A sense of excitement overcame Patricia; she felt an urge to follow and uncover the events of that night in the study, hoping to solve the mystery haunting her. However, as she moved forward, an invisible barrier forcefully pushed her back.
Frustrated and confused, Patricia tried to advance again, only to be repelled more violently, falling to the ground. She couldn't understand why she was unable to enter. Desperate to reach the truth that seemed just within reach, she tried once more but was again pushed back, her efforts to enter thwarted repeatedly.
After an uncertain number of failed attempts, a snap of fingers pierced the air, waking Patricia abruptly. She shot up from her chair, gasping for air, a sheen of sweat covering her face. Looking up, she saw Jackson's intense gaze fixed on her, tinged with an indiscernible emotion.
Even the slowest to catch on could sense something amiss. Patricia couldn't help but say, "I felt like there was an invisible wall in front of me. Every time I tried to break through, I was thrown back."
Jackson remained silent, then opened his office door and sternly called in Sebastian and Martin. Without mincing words, he announced his diagnosis, "If I'm correct, Miss Watson has been hypnotized."
The revelation shocked everyone, especially Patricia, who was utterly bewildered. She couldn't recall being hypnotized or losing her most crucial memories. This explanation shed light on why Patricia couldn't access significant parts of her memory—someone had manipulated her mind.
Jackson continued, "I tried to penetrate the mental barrier just now but was unsuccessful. The person behind this must be highly skilled in hypnosis."
Sebastian looked at Patricia and asked, "Did you meet anyone that day? Ring any bells?"
Considering the event, only those associated with the Koch family had attended the birthday celebration. It was unlikely that an outsider, especially a hypnotist, could have infiltrated without an invitation, raising the possibility of an insider's involvement.
Resting behind his desk, Jackson idly played with a Newton's cradle. He spoke nonchalantly, "It's futile. The hypnotist's first move would have been to erase their tracks from her mind."
Martin sat next to Patricia, holding her hand tightly. "So, what do we do now? Is there another way?"
Jackson responded with a self-assured smile, "Fortunately, you have me. In the hands of anyone else, this hypnosis would remain unbreakable. But I'm the only one in the world who can do it."
Sebastian gave him an exasperated look, finding Jackson quite insufferable. "Can't you get to the point without being so full of yourself? Will it kill you?"
Jackson let out a chuckle, pulled an incense burner out of a cabinet, poured some exotic spices into it, and lit it up. A subtle, invigorating scent quickly filled the office. He leaned over the burner, wafting the gentle smoke towards himself, visibly savoring the aroma.
"Alright, both of you step out for a bit," he said. "Leave her to me. I'm going to show that hypnotist that there's always someone superior."
Sebastian and Martin shared a look before Martin reassured Patricia with a firmer grip, "There's no need to worry. I'll be just outside."
With a nod of understanding from Patricia, Martin reluctantly stood and exited the room, leaving her in Jackson's capable hands.
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