Chapter 1000
Brittany came down with a raging fever, and it was the butler who discovered her condition first.NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.
The family doctor was immediately called.
Yuri frowned in concern. "How on earth did she get a fever all of a sudden?"
After administering an IV to Brittany, the doctor explained, "Ms. Lynette has been under a great deal of stress, her immune system is weakened, and catching a chill last night didn't help matters."
Yuri was aware that Brittany had been working tirelessly to prepare for the competition, but he hadn't realized her health had deteriorated this much.
"Alright, you can leave now," he said, and the medical team left the room.
Alone with his slumbering daughter, Yuri was struck by a wave of guilt. He was so eager to hand over the reins of the Lynette family to Brittany, but he had overlooked the fact that she was still recovering from a serious illness. This pressure could only wear her out further.
Brittany slept through the morning, and when she woke to see Yuri by her bedside, her instinct was to get up. "Dad?"
Yuri gently pushed her back down. "Don't move. You've been pushing yourself too hard. Take some time to rest."
He poured her a glass of warm water. "I wanted you to learn the ropes, not to pressure you into immediate results. In time, the Lynette legacy will be yours."
Brittany took a sip, her voice low. "Dad, I just want to do better."
She was aware of the discontent among the relatives of the Lynette family since her return. She was desperate to prove her worth and showcase her talents.
Yuri's heart ached for her; she had lost weight in just a few weeks. "Take it slow, sweetheart. I believe in you."
Despite her condition, Brittany insisted on going to work. Yuri couldn't stop her and reluctantly agreed.
Perhaps because of the recent layoffs, there had been a sea change at YULI. The staff no longer slacked off or left early. A competitive system had been put in place, and everyone was working hard. Jared, looking at the transformed company, was not pleased. In fact, he was disgruntled. He never wanted YULI to prosper. He was content to draw a salary and clock out on time, not to work overtime preparing for competitions.
When Brittany arrived at the office, her assistant noticed her pallor. "Ms. Lynette, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she responded, shaking her head.
"Tell Jared to come to my office. And keep a close eye on the competition preparations - I don't want any mishaps."
"Yes, Ms. Lynette."
Jared had thought Brittany wouldn't come in, and cursed under his breath when she did.
Entering her office, he greeted her, "Ms. Lynette."
"Jared, the competition is heating up, and I plan to launch new products soon. I've also got my eye on some unique designers to recruit after the event. Be prepared."
Jared, sensing Brittany's ambition to make major moves, protested, "Ms. Lynette, isn't this a bit rash? We've just had layoffs, and now new hires? What if it upsets the staff..." "Jared," Brittany cut him off, "First, this is a business. Profit is our goal. And second, I know you're cautious by nature and dislike risk, but too much caution in business isn't good."
She had Jared pegged - content with mediocrity, resistant to ambition, a perfect example of a slacker culture.
Jared resented being reprimanded but couldn't argue back.
"Do you not want to see YULI succeed after all these years?" Brittany softened her tone, "YULI isn't just a business; it's a dream for many. They joined with hopes and dreams, eager to make a difference. But in seven years, you've let them become complacent."
Those who had joined YULI were once passionate graduates from top universities, now dulled by Jared's lack of encouragement and ambition.
Jared was at a loss for words, finally muttering, "I understand."
"Get to it, then."
Before leaving the office, Brittany picked up the phone. "I've made reservations for tonight. Let everyone know we're having a dinner, my treat." "Of course, Ms. Lynette." The assistant's voice was filled with excitement.