Natalie is by Gabriel's side when his son walks in and asks if there's any way they can help him get in contact with Leo Dubois, she notices the serious look on the blonde's face and how displeased her husband is.

Gabriel removes his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose. They are kind enough to give Chloe a sheltered place and now she wants to make the matter worse. He wonders what is her thought process and what she wishes to achieve by talking to the heir of the publishing company.

"Adrien…" he shakes his head "Don't do this."

"I must, father…" his son looks at him, determination filling his eyes "If there's anything that I can do to help Chloe, I must do it."

"This is not your idea, right? Is it from her? That Himawari Ono girl?" Gabriel frowns "I should have known that she's nothing more than a troublemaker. You would do well staying away from those kinds of people."

Adrien raises a brow, he doesn't understand why his father suddenly brings the raven head into the conversation. Not only that, he just badmouthed her. The blonde can't stand it when someone is talking bad about his friend, especially the raven head. She's too lovely and kind and sweet to be framed as a bad person.

"Father, I believe that you have a wrong impression about Himawari. She does nothing wrong…"

"By nothing wrong, you mean influence Chloe to do this? I heard from Mrs. Tsuguri that she did the same thing to Kagami, telling her to fight back against her parents too."

"No, she did none of that stuff." Adrien furrows his brows "Himawari only helps them connect with their parents in a good way. She would never have thought about breaking a connection between parents and their children."

"But what she did last night was unacceptable. Chloe is here right now because of her." Gabriel raises his voice "I do not accept you going out with such kind of people, she will taint you with her rebellious attitude."

Adrien can't believe what he just heard. His father listens to other adults' opinions about his friend and yet, he refuses to hear his side of the story. Why is it that all these adults think that their opinions are rights and should be followed without any question?

In his eyes, Himawari is a sweet and gentle girl who would never hurt a fly. She is mature enough to understand things that even he can hardly grasp. The things she did for her friends, for him, for Kagami, for Luka, and for Chloe… If she is not here with them, then there's nobody willing to take such risks to guide them through all these circumstances. She gives good advice, she's empathic, and she understands the pain that they have gone through. Each word that comes out of her mouth is nothing but kind and gentle, guiding them through the troubles that they are facing at that time. If it isn't for Himawari, he doesn't know if he and Marinette can be together, or if Kagami can have friends, or if Luka can connect with his father once again.

And yet, after all the great things she has done for them, these adults think that the raven head is the source of all problems? How can they be so close-minded to picture Himawari as the criminal in Chloe's case?

"Excuse me..." they heard a voice on the other side of the door "May I come in?"

Adrien looks at his parents before opening the door and inviting that person in. Gabriel looks at her, feeling upset that she dares to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Ms. Ono…"

"Mr. Agreste…"

Himawari doesn't know why she is here. She was just walking out of the restroom and coming across this conversation about her. Maybe luck was on her side, the door was slightly open and she could hear the entire conversation between the Agreste family and their opinions about her.

"It's quite rude for you to eavesdrop on our talk." Gabriel gazes at her coldly "Do you have anything to explain?"

"Mr. Agreste, I have nothing to explain. The door to your office was open and I happened to be at the spot where I could hear everything."

"So you were eavesdropping?"

"No, I wasn't. I thought that it would be a great opportunity to get to know you more and maybe…" she looks at him, not feeling intimidated by the cold, harsh stare "Maybe I can clear some misunderstanding between you and me."

For some reason, Himawari is not afraid at all. As much as Gabriel tries to emit his dominant aura in the room, the raven head doesn't flinch. She has had many serious conversations with her father, who is also a very strict person, so she understands how to deal with these types of people.

"Well, I hate to admit but I don't want you near my son. I believe that you will have a bad influence on him."

"And what bad influence are you suggesting, Mr. Agreste? If there's anything I can learn more about myself, I'd love to know."

Adrien is standing next to her, surprised at the change of attitude. No one dares to challenge his father's opinion and yet, here she is, standing tall on her feet and questioning his own assumption about her. Natalie, who hasn't said a thing, covers her smile with a folder. This is the first time she sees someone who can hold a conversation with her husband without any fear.

"You stood between Mrs. Tsuguri and her daughter, you stood between Mr. Couffaine and his son, and now, you stand between the Bourgeois family and Chloe. You manipulate her to go against her family's decision, if that's not enough, I can tell you more."

"Oh no, keep going. I'd like to know more about what I do wrong." she wears a blank expression on her face.

"Are you trying to challenge me, young lady?"

"I'm not. As a matter of fact, I wish to know why you think it's bad for Adrien to hang out with someone like me." Himawari continues "If anything, I believe that I have done nothing wrong."

Gabriel narrows his eyes, amazed at how she frames herself to be the hero of the story. When he opens his mouth to say something, a hand rests on his shoulder, he looks up, only to meet Natalie's warm gaze. His wife wants to learn more about this young lady.

Gabriel is someone who only trusts his own judgment, no words of an outsider can shake his assumptions about one person. But when he's with Natalie, it's a different story. While they may have different opinions from time to time, he trusts his wife's vision as she is someone who understands things that even he can hardly grasp. When Natalie shows interest in this young girl, as much as he hates to admit it, he too is drawn to her strength and bravery for standing tall in front of them like this.

"What is the right thing you think you have done?"

"There's nothing wrong about standing up for my friends, especially when their parents refuse to learn about their side of the story."

"And you think you are right for talking back to the adults?"

"If they are being unreasonable…" she never breaks her eye contact "Especially now when Chloe's parents think that it's a good idea to sell their daughter away to gain more fame and power. As a parent, I believe you hate that idea too?"

Gabriel leans back in his chair, eye closing. Of course, he hates it. If he was the same man several years ago, he would not hesitate to arrange a marriage for his son. One who is in a position of power will do everything to protect their high status, even if it means selling out their own family. Had he not met Natalie, he might turn out to be like Andre and Audrey Bourgeois, obnoxious and hideous…

It's thanks to Natalie, who shine a light in his cold, icy chamber that he breaks free from what he calls destiny. The love she has for him melts away the jail that holds his heart and now, he is having another chance to create a loving family with her and Adrien.

What Andre and Audrey did to their daughter is unacceptable, and yet, it's difficult for one to keep their high status without forming any connection with powerful families. He may not know much about Audrey's opinion, but as a father, Gabriel believes that Andre has the same thought just like him…

"I have to admit, this is the first time someone dares to stand here and challenge my belief." Gabriel rests his chin on top of his palms, his eyes boring right back at her "Since you are coming off so strong, what do you suggest we do?"

"We want to know what Chloe's fiance thinks about this and maybe…" she stops for a moment, thinking "Maybe her father too…?

"So you want us to contact Leo Dubois and Andre Bourgeois, arranging a private meeting with them?" Natalie steps in, smiling at her husband. She can take it from here.

"I think that she should talk to them separately. About her father…even bad parents love their children, I believe Mr. Bourgeois may know what he needs to do…"

Adrien smiles when he hears her words, the same thing she told Mrs. Tsuguri months ago. And it's true. His dad might hold a cold exterior, but deep in his heart, Adrien knows that this is the man who is willing to sacrifice everything to protect his small family.

"You both should head back to your friends, they might be worried about you." Natalie smiles "And don't worry, you can leave the arrangement to us."

The teens look at each other, smiling.

"Thank you so much for your help."

"Thanks, Natalie. And thank you, father."

With that, they leave the study room, knowing his father's eyes are still glued on Himawari's back.

"I'd love to invite that girl over for some tea next time." Natalie giggles "Of all of Adrien's friends, she's probably the most mature."

"Although I don't like her attitude, she shows herself worthy to be an ally to the Agreste family" Gabriel stands up, holding out his hand "Now, shall we go and have some tea?"

When they are back in Chloe's room, Himawari sweatdrops when she is met with Luka's narrowed eyes and Kagami knowing face. She sighs, taking a seat next to Luka as Adrien breaks the good news to everyone, his father will help arrange a meeting with Leo Dubois.

Chloe's face lit up when she heard the news, from what happened last night to now, this is one of the rare good news she receive. She is even happier when the blonde told her that his father will get in touch with Andre, hoping to get the man to talk to his daughter about this situation.

"Let me guess, Himawari has something to do with this turn of events?"

"She did most of the talking, yeah…" Adrien smiles "You were great, Himawari. I honestly don't know what I can do if you weren't there with me."

"Don't mind it." she nods her head "I just happened to eavesdrop on the whole conversation…"

Covering her lips to stop the giggles from escaping, Himawari can't believe how impropriate her actions were. Although she held a strong stand against the great Gabriel Agreste, the thought of challenging him again makes her shiver. The way he has his eyes on her, they bore right into her soul, it's intimidating…

She's glad that everything is finally come through, that Adrien's parents will help Chloe with this matter. She hopes that whatever conversation the blonde is going to have will get her parents to understand how she feels about all of this.

"Oh, talk about parents, Chloe's butler called her just now."

"Really?"

"Yeah, her father seems to be quite worried for his daughter." Kagami said.

The raven head nods, turning her attention to Chloe. It's quite hard to read her expression right now, the blank face she is wearing as she stares at her phone screen, waiting for something. Maybe she's surprised that her father is worried about her, or maybe she's upset that it's not her mother who shows signs of caring toward her.

"At least he still cares, right…?" the blonde mumbles under her breath "At least he still cares…"

It's getting quite late, her friends are getting ready to go home. Himawari, once again, asks
Chloe to call her whenever she needs. The way she shows genuine care towards her makes her feel special in a way. For so long, she believes that no one wants to be her friend, but Himawari…

Chloe smiles to herself, now she can proudly say that she has a friend, someone who truly cares for her.

Adrien waves at his friend as they leave the Agreste Manor. Standing by Chloe's side, he begins to feel uneasy. After what happened last night and today, he hasn't had a chance to say sorry to her. He feels guilty, especially after what she told him yesterday, how he didn't care about her as a friend and chased her away when she needs him the most.

"Chloe…" he looks at his blonde friend, sheepishly scratching his head "I… I'm sorry…"

Blue eyes stare at him for a moment, she doesn't say anything.

"I… I was a bad friend. I didn't listen to you, I didn't give you a chance to tell me your problem. I chased you away, thinking that you might do something to Marinette…" he bites his bottom lips and nervously continues "I should have been there for you when you need me the most… I… I feel embarrassed for what I told you last night…"

Chloe looks at him, her blue eyes bore right into his soul. As much as she hates to admit it, she still considers him her friend. It was her temper at that moment that made her feel like she was betrayed by him, but now… After seeing how he's trying to help her, even going as far as to talk with his strict father about this situation, how can she be angry at him when she sees all of his efforts in front of her?

The blonde girl sighs, reaching her hand out.

"A handshake to start our friendship?"

Adrien looks at the hand in front of him, smiling.

"A handshake to start our friendship…"

Himawari walks home with Luka by her side, a satisfying smile splashes across her face. She's very happy and pleased at how things are slowly turning better for Chloe. As she thinks about what happened, she remembers Gabriel's words when he describes her as 'a bad influence' on Adrien. It would be a lie if she said it doesn't bother her…

"Luka…"

The guitarist glances at her, waiting.

"Do you think…I'm a bad influence on everyone?"

"Why would you say that?" he asks her.

"Well, Adrien's dad seems to believe that. And I just wonder if what he said is true."

She would hate it if Luka agrees with Gabriel's words. She has never thought about herself like that, mainly due to her own background as a daughter of two teachers. Her parents have taught her well, she believes that, they show her to be kind and graceful, to treat everyone equally and never to look down on someone. They teach her to always be there for other people when they need help, when they need a shoulder to cry on.

Himawari does all of that. She helps people whenever they need it. Maybe her father is right, that sometimes her kindness will get her into trouble, but how can she turn a blind eye to someone who needs nothing more than a shoulder to cry on? Or someone who needs a hand to pull them back on their feet?

"I don't think so. Whenever I see you, I only see a kind loving girl whose heart is made out of gold."

She looks at him, blushing at the compliment. It's already night time, the street lights illuminating, shining a faded light that shows her flustered face. The cold weather makes her skin becomes paler, causing the blush to become more visible on her lovely face. Maybe he likes her so much, maybe he's a bit jealous, but Luka wants nothing more than to hide that cuteness away from everyone's sight, he wants to be the only person who can see this side of her.

Himawari thinks for a bit before turning her attention back to him, amethyst eyes shine brightly as she meets his teal one.

"My auntie is not at home tonight, would you come over and enjoy dinner with me?" she smiles, her face growing various shades of pink "If you want to, of course…"

She expects him to say no. It's already late, he probably wants to go home and get some rest. It would be bad if he decides to come over for dinner, he will go home late and that's quite dangerous, even for someone like Luka. Although her head is coming up reason after reason on why she should decline her invitation, Himawari can feel a tug in her heart if that happens.

"Sure, I'll go."

"O-oh, I understand, it's late and you…" she stops for a moment before realizing what he just said "Wait…"

He chuckles, bringing his hand up and flicking her forehead gently.

"You're a funny girl, Himawari."