Zoe had been pacing her room all night. She had thought with their speed, Marinette and Adrein would have had Chloe back in Paris before midnight. That had not happened. She could not sleep, hoping that her girlfriend and sister were safe. She checked the clock and found it was four in the morning. She then heard voices from the direction of her Stepfather's room. She ran to the door and headed there as quickly as she could.

Zoe came in to find Ladybug handed a shivering and crying Chloe to her father. She gulped as as she saw the large blemish on Chloe's cheek. It looked like their mother had struck her. Her partner turned and gave her a exhausted smile. Zoe motioned in the direction of her room. Ladybug nodded, getting the message that she was to sneak in to crash in Zoe's bed. She and Chat Noir departed and Zoe left her sister and Stepfather to talk. Just as she was leaving, Chloe's voice reached her.

"I'm… so sorry Zoe. Thank you, for sending Ladybug and Chat Noir to save me. Mom lost her sense when she got served. I've never seenher so angry before. She said we had embarrassed her for the last time. She called someone, she was speaking some other language. She told me that I was to stay in my room until her friend came for me. I told her I didn't want to go with some stranger and she struck me."

Chloe rubbed her face and teared up again. Zoe saw her stepfather take out his phone and text the kitchen for ice.

"Your mother has some shady contacts. She sometimes gets materials from the black market. I have my fears at what she planned, but I hope I'm wrong. You did the right thing, contacting us for help. We need to talk. Zoe, do you mind going back to your room for tonight. Well, this morning. I'm sure Marinette would appreciate your company." He whispered the next part while Chloe went into the bathroom.

Zoe blinked. How did he know Marinette was even at this moment slipping into her room. Andre sighed and handed her his phone.

"I'm really sorry, but after the revolution in Paris, I had cameras installed on the outside of the hotel. Don't worry, I won't tell a soul."

Zoe blanched as she watched a video of Marinette glaring out of her window and then disappearing in a flash of pink as a very angry Ladybug threw herself out of the window to attack an akuma. The video changed to a night view as Vesperia left and returned using Zoe's window.

"I see. We'll have to talk about this in the morning." She finally got her voice back. "You've known about me for a bit, haven't you?"

He nodded. "Since right after it was returned to you. I'm very proud of you, for what that matters. It means the world to me that my stepdaughter's superheronie girlfriend saved my daughter, the girl she hates most. Go on now, get some sleep. Chloe will be here in the morning."

Zoe nodded and returned to her room. Marinette had changed into her spare pajamas and sat on the bed next to Adrien. The moment she was in range, Zoe threw herself onto Marinette. The two superheroines kissed as their superhero friend grinned as he moved towards the window.

"Wait, Adrein." Zoe called and she stepped forward and kissed him on both cheeks. "Thank you for saving my sister. I know things between you two got bad, but i'm glad you went to help her."

Adrein nodded. "Chlo and I have history. Even if we are at odds, I still believe deep in my heart she can change. But it was time for some tough love. I need to go, Kagami will transform and scour the city for me if I don't return soon."

Zoe grinned and returned to Marinette's side. Marinette spoke up. "Tell Kagami that we are having a girl squad meeting and sleepover at my house tonight. There will be snacks."

Adrein pouted. "Very well. No room for a lovable feline?"

Marinette tossed a slipper at him and he laughed. "Not tonight. But I'll make sure you get a share of treats at least."

He nodded and started to transform. Zoe called out.

"Oh, Adrien? My stepfather has cameras watching the windows now. So, if you changed back in the window he likely will know who you are. Sorry, Mari, he already has us."

Adrein nodded grimly. "Then I'll see him on my way out. I like Andre but he must understand, I put the safety of our team before anyone else's."

Marinette looked on the verge of panicking. Zoe cupped her cheek. "We can talk about that more. For now, you need sleep love. You just made two and a half trips across an ocean. I know you were using magic but you aren't relying on Tikki's magic anymore. I know using your powers drains you and Adrien more than you admit."

Marinette sighed. "The price of having adult powers. We can use our powers as many times as needed and do not need to change back, but that power has to come from somewhere."

Zoe pushed her towards the pillows. "Sleep, that's an order if you like. After all, I am the queen bee in this hive."

Marinette giggled as she tucked herself into the blankets. "As you wish, your majesty."

Zoe got in beside her and they wrapped each other up in their arms. Marinetted only lasted a few minutes before she was out. Zoe looked lovingly at the girl that had saved her hated rival. Zoe joined her in slumber.

Chloe stayed locked in her room the next day. Honestly, she had so much to process. Zoe was worried about her mother's words. However, anyone that tried to lay a hand on her would feel her Venom. The day passed quickly and all the girls were gathered at Marinette's. Marinette coughed to get everyone's attention once they were settled in.

"Chloe is back in Paris. Zoe told me some things after Ladybug brought her back this morning. Zoe?"

Zoe gave her partner a grateful look. "I know the love for Chloe in this room would not fill a thimble. And she deserves it. But I ask that you all keep an open mind. I felt like what she experienced from our mother in New York could have changed her. Also, she was acting differently in her texts too. Ladybug told me that Chloe was grateful she came to save her, that she kissed her on the cheek. And recently Chloe would not have spat on our heroine if she was on fire."

Alya nodded firmly. Zoe knew that she was in on everyone identities. "So, we wait and see if this experience has a positive effect. Well, I wouldn't wish what happened on anyone."

Zoe sighed. "I talked with my stepfather some more. Audrey, our mother, has contacts with the black market. Particullar when it comes to dealing in goods and services that are not legal. Including human trafficking."

The girls all grew quiet. She saw everyone's hands go to a piece of jewelry. She knew she was surrounded by heroines already, but this was reassuring.

Marientte hugged Zoe. "Yes, let's stay on our guards. If we see anyone suspcious around the hotel, call Alya whom can call Ladybug. If you cannot get ahold of Alya, call Alix or the police."

Sabrina chimed in. "You can call me too. Daddy will always answer my calls. I can have someone at the hotel in five minutes."

Rose nodded and pulled out a bottle. "Come on, lets change the topic. Time to haze Zoe and Marientte with truth or dare." Everyone but the victims laughed and the game was on.

Next time: Apologies