Author's note.
We're nearing the end everyone. Also, betcha didn't see the ending of the last chapter coming, huh? If any of you got any ideas on what song Valentino should sing when he eventually reveals himself. But, in this chapter, Lila practically signs her own death certificate. So, leave a review, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Chapter 8
Sign on the line
Nathanial was talking to Marc, the two had been discussing the recent events surrounding Marinette.
"How do you think Valentino gets all this money?" Asked Nathanial.
"Oh please", answered Marc. "You what they say, 'Sex Sells'".
"Huh?" Asked Nathanial.
"Think about it", answered Marc. "Men are far more prone into giving into their sexual desires A LOT more than women are. All a girl, or guy, I don't judge, has to do is rip off their top, show their boobs and men will throw hundreds upon hundreds of their hard end dollars at them".
"That's actually a good point", said Nathanial. "And did ya hear what Marinette said to her class?".
"You mean her threatening to spank their asses so hard they'll be calling her mommy?" Asked Marc.
"Yep" answered Nathanial.
"Oh, I heard of it", said Marc. "It's fucking hilarious". The two then stopped as Lila walked past.
"Whatcha think she's up to?" Asked Nathanial.
"Nothing good I bet" answered Marc.
'So, she thinks she's soooooo good', thought Lila. 'Just because a pimp gave her cash doesn't mean she's better than me. Nobody's better than me. Guess it's time I play my hand'.
Meanwhile, Marinette and her parents were making pastries and the large cake for the Batchelor party. Since the club was closed at the moment, Valentino, um, 'asked' his workers to give Marinette and her parents a hand. Since the kitchen was hidden, it allowed the workers some time out in their demon forms.
"I feel like I'm back in the cafe I used to work at back when I was alive" said Veronica.
"You worked at a cafe?" Asked Marinette.
"Yep" said Veronica.
"Gotta say, it's nice to use our hands for something other than sex work" said Valerie. Unbeknownst to them, while Summer and Dia were stacking to boxes, they decided to have a chat in Valentino's behaviour.
"It's still weird that Valentino has been so, nice to us recently" said Dia.
"Who's complaining?", asked Summer. "We're getting paid WAY more than normal and we don't have to worry about getting smacked just because we messed up".
"Yeah, but it's too, sudden" said Dia.
"Okay, I'll give you that it is a bit sudden", agreed Summer. "But we don't have to live in fear anymore".
"Yeah, but for how long?", Dia pointed out. "I bet as soon as his deal with the Dupain-Chengs is over, he's gonna go right back to treating us like used condoms".
"Well I don't think it is entirely Marinette" said Summer.
"What you getting at Summer?" Asked Dia.
"The other night I was walking to a private room to do a private dance for someone, when I passed Valentino's office", answered Summer. "He kept saying the name 'Margret' several times and that she would be 'avenged'. He then left the office, but before I got a faint glimpse of what was inside. That being a photo of him back when he was alive and had a girl who looked no more than 5-yrs-old in his arms". Dia was slightly taken aback by this, how could the Overlord of Lust and Depravity care for anyone other that himself. The other workers heard this and they were just as confused.
Meanwhile.
Valentino was outside smoking a cigarette when his phone buzzed. He looked at the screen and saw that there was a text from Marinette, saying that the pastries and the cake was done. After texting a reply, he felt as though something was off, he then saw Lila standing beside him.
"What do you want?" He asked, almost wanting to draw his gun.
"I want to work for you" said Lila with a smirk. Valentino just flicked his cigarette at her, making it hit her forehead, before it landed on the floor and he stomped it out.
"That's a no" said Valentino. He then walked back into his club, only for Lila to follow shortly afterwards.
"Oh come on", said Lila. "I know people who can make you famous". Valentino was now Staring Lila dead in the eyes.
"Why would I want you anywhere near here?" Asked Valentino. Lila smirked.
"Because I want to be on top", said Lila. "Everyone should be walking the ground I walk on and anyone who gets in my way will-". Valentino then squeezed Lila's mouth closed with his fingers.
"More like you just want people to notice you", said Valentino. "Because you are an attention whore. And why would you want to work with me? Aren't you working for that Agreste bastard?".
"With those scandals going around", said Lila. "I think it might be best to look at another line of work. Once the scandal dies down, I'll go back. So, do we have a deal?". Valentino was about to pull out his gun, but then, he got an idea.
"Very well", said Valentino pulling out a contract. "Just sign here". Lila smiled as she signed on the dotted line. When that was finished she walked out.
"Hehehe", Lila said to herself. "With this, Marinette will regret ever having crossed paths with me. Soon, Adrian will be mine and there's nothing she can do about it".
Meanwhile.
Valentino was laughing his heart out.
"Oh, Lila", he said to himself. "You poor, foolish, greedy, little, girl". The title on the contract then changed from 'job' to 'soul'.