Marinette was working at her desk while Adrien was working at the table. It was quiet but it wasn't awkward or tense, it was peaceful and at a nice pace with how busy they have been lately. Adrien was enjoying it the most with the fact that he hasn't been able to have this peaceful moment with Marinette since the day he was framed. Obviously Marinette didn't know that Plagg was Adrien but it didn't matter Adrien was cherishing the moment.
After a moment Adrien stood up with some papers and walked over to the front of Marinette's desk. "Here are the papers you asked for Marinette and I already scheduled the meeting. You and Mathew Roperts will have to start planning for the first project in Lucky Charm beach. Do you want us to check the agreement and contract that you plan to take?"
Marinette took the papers. "Thank you Plagg and yea I think that's a good idea."
Adrien nodded and sat down on a chair at her desk and across from her as they checked the agreement and contract.
A moment later Alya walked into the office. "Marinette, we have an emergency with Juleka."
"What's wrong, did she get ill again?" Marinette asked with concern as she stood up quickly.
"Nothing like that, it's more of an emotional issue." Alya replied before looking at Adrien. "Plagg, do you mind? This is something personal."
Adrien nodded as he stood up. "Yes of course I'll be outside if you need anything."
"Alright." Once Adrien left Marinette looked at Alya. "So what's going on?"
"Juleka called Kagami in tears asking her and the rest of the girl group to go to her house. It seems that she found a hotel recipe in one of Philip's suits and now she suspects that he's cheating on her." Alya whispers to her.
Marinette looked at Alya in shock. "What? That's hard to believe from Philip, it must be a misunderstanding."
"Well truth or not she needs her best friends to comfort her. Oh and she doesn't want Luka to know for obvious reasons." Alya stated. "At least not yet."
Marinette nodded as she grabbed her purse. "Understandable, let's go-wait, don't you have to stay at the reception?"
"Shoot that's right especially since it's my last day of being the receptionist?" Alya stated.
Marinette looked at her surprised. "What do you mean it's your last day as the receptionist? Did you quit? Did you get fired?"
"Oh no it's nothing like that. I didn't get a chance to tell you this before but you are now looking at Nino's new co-director." They started squealing like two high school girls.
"Alya, that's great news now you'll be part of my team." Marinette said overjoyed.
"Yea but now the most important thing is Juleka and her issue." Alya stated.
Marinette nodded and the two left the office. They walked to the others. "So are we ready to go?"
"Sadly we can't go because we are the secretaries and we can't leave our spot all at once." Mylene stated.
"Plus it would look suspicious to Luka if we all leave." Alix replied.
"Though please tell Juleka that she can count on us for anything." Rose added.
"Well in that case it's just going to be you and me Kagami since Alya also can't leave her spot at work." Marinette stated.
Kagami nodded. "Alright as long as Juleka isn't alone during this moment then it shouldn't matter how many of us go plus she knows that we all are worried about her. Let's go."
Marinette and Kagami left as the four remaining women whispered about the situation.
"It can't be true can it?" Alix asked.
"No Philip loves Juleka, he would never cheat on her." Rose stated trying to hold a positive smile.
"But Juleka found a hotel recipe. Why would he have that?" Mylene asked.
"I'm sure all of this has a reasonable explanation and whatever the truth is Juleka won't be alone she has us who will always have her back." Alya stated and the other three women nodded.
What they didn't know was that two other people heard their conversation, Adrien and Lila. Lila immediately went to Philip's office while Adrien went back to Marinette's office.
Adrien felt bad for Juleka and he hoped that the truth about Philip not being a loving and faithful husband is found out because Juleka deserved better. He always suspected that Philip had another woman or women but Adrien never had any proof of that but it seems like Juleka found one on her own and hopefully this was the start to a brighter future for her.
Lila bursted into Philip's office. "Philip, we need to talk."
"Not now Lila, I'm busy and next time knock before you walk in." Philip replied not looking up from his work.
"Well whatever it is it can wait this is more urgent the goth knows that you're cheating on her." Lila replied.
Philip finally looked up at her. "What are you talking about?"
"I heard the secretaries gossip outside about it. Apparently the goth found a hotel recipe and now she suspects that you're cheating on her." Lila replied. "It must have been when we went to the hotel a couple nights ago. Marinette and Juleka went to comfort her. I'm not worried about being suspected after all Marinette has a higher rate of being suspected since you have been around her a lot more than anyone else but either way this could ruin our plans."
"Don't worry Lila. I'll just make up a story about that recipe if she asks me about it and the problem is solved." Philip said with a smirk. "She believes everything I tell her. Remember? Now leave so I can finish my work."
Lila glared at him. "Let's see if your act stays up for long and if it doesn't, don't even dare to drag me into your downfall." Lila flipped her hair before leaving the office.
Marinette gave a crying Juleka a cup of tea before sitting next to her as Kagami was sitting on the other side of Juleka. "Calm down Juleka and tell us exactly why you think that Philip is cheating on you."
"I was cleaning out the pockets of Philip's suits so I could wash them when I found this hotel recipe from a couple of nights ago." Juleka said in tears as she showed them the recipe.
Kagami gently took the recipe and looked at it. "His name isn't registered in this recipe; it might not even be his."
"Then why would he have it?" Juleka asked.
"Well if it isn't his there's a couple of reasons why he could have it either someone he knows gave it to him or he just found it and forgot to throw it away." Kagami stated.
"And what if it is his?" Juleka asked.
"Juleka, you shouldn't jump to conclusions. Like Kagami said, the recipe isn't registered with his name so it might not even be his and if it is his it doesn't mean that he was in there with another woman." Marinette stated.
"And if he did cheat on me?" Juleka asked, crying more. "What do I do then?"
"The first thing you should do is talk to him about the situation and see what he has to say about this situation." Marinette stated. "And you should follow your heart. Plus if he is cheating on you the truth will be found out sooner or later."
"Marinette is right, Juleka. The truth always comes to the light when no one expects it so just talk to him and do what you think is best." Kagami added.
Juleka slowly nodded, wiping off her tears. "You girls are right, thank you for everything."
"Of course that's what best friends are for." Kagami stated before the three women did a group hug.
"You girls don't have to stay, you know I am feeling better." Juleka said with a small smile.
"No, I think that it's best that at least one of us stays. After all, a guiding hand never hurts." Kagami stated.
"Yes I agree." Marinette replied.
"Well which one of you will stay?" Juleka asked.
Kagami and Marinette looked at each other unsure which one should stay. "Marinette if you want I can stay after all. I already finished my work for today and I know that you still have a lot of work to do."
Marinette nodded. "Okay but one problem, how do I get back to CG? I came with you in your car."
"You can go in my car and later I can call Luka to pick me up." Kagami stated.
"You can't do that, I don't want Luka to know that you two came here today, remember." Juleka said quickly.
"Right…" Kagami mumbled.
"Wait I got it I can call Plagg to come get me." Marinette stated.
"Good idea." The other two women said at the same time.
Marinette took out her phone and called Adrien. "Hi Plagg, could you come pick me up at the Gain mansion?"
"Sure thing, just give me the address." Adrien obviously already knew the address but he had to pretend that he didn't already know the address.
"Yes the address is-" Marinette gave him the address.
"Okay I'll be there soon." Adrien hung up. He knew that this would most likely be his only chance to be in the Gain mansion to look for evidence in his favor and Adrien was going to take advantage of it.
Adrien drove to the Gain mansion and knocked on the door. Kagami opened the door. "Hi Plagg, come in."
"Hi." Adrien walked in. "Is Marinette ready to go?"
"She was but she suddenly saw that Juleka had some ripped clothes so she started sewing them." Kagami replied. "She should be here soon."
"Okay where should I wait for her?" Adrien asked.
"The study. Juleka and Philip always have their guests wait there. I'll show you the way." Kagami showed him the way and Adrien screamed in joy in his head since he knew that Philip's safe was there. Kagami and Adrien walked in the study. "Well get comfortable Marinette should be here soon."
Adrien nodded. "Okay thank you."
Kagami nodded and left the room. Once Kagami was gone Adrien quickly looked around the study in hopes of finding something that could be useful for Adrien to prove his innocence. "Where does this two face keep his important documents?" in one drawer Adrien found a CD that had the word key. "Key? Key of what?"
Lila went back to Philip's office during the lunch hour and Philip looked at her irritated. "Lila, how many times have I told you to knock before you come in?"
"Plenty of times but I only came to tell you one thing. I'm tired of how you have been treating me lately and the lack of attention that you have been giving me so I have decided to tell your goth wife the whole truth." Lila said with a smirk.
"You can't do that, it will impact you too!" Philip said quickly standing up.
"I am willing to take the risk just to see you drown." Lila quickly left the office and Philip immediately went after her but he couldn't make it obvious since the secretaries were still in the lobby.
At the parking lot Philip bumped into Francisco holding a few shopping bags and he immediately grabbed him by the shirt furious. "I told you to keep an eye on Lila."
"That's what I'm doing but she keeps making me do chores for her. I can't be in two places at once you know." Francisco replied.
Philip pushed Francisco aside frustrated before getting in his car and driving to the house.
Once he arrived he immediately went inside and to the living room where Juleka Kagami and Marinette were talking to Lila. "Honey! Let me explain."
Juleka wiped her eyes and looked at him. "No need Lila told me everything."
"I-" Philip started.
Juleka stood up and walked over to him. "You… you were planning a second honeymoon for us." Juleka hugged him with a smile.
"I'm sorry for ruining the surprise Philip but I could not stay quiet after hearing how Juleka reacted seeing the recipe." Lila said with a fake sweet smile.
"T-that's fine Lila." Philip said, holding back his sigh of relief as he hugged Juleka back.
"See we told you that there had to be a good explanation." Marinette said with a smile.
"Well since everything is all cleared up I should probably go to the company before Luka starts getting worried." Kagami stated.
"Yea and I kept Plagg waiting for me long enough." Marinette added.
Juleka nodded before breaking the hug. "Alright, thanks for coming. I'll go with you Marinette so I can greet Plagg."
Marinette nodded as she and Juleka went to the study as Kagami left the house.
Philip looked at Lila. "Thank you Miss. Rossi."
"You're lucky that I decided to give you a second chance. Plus I would rather that you are with the goth in Hawaii than with Marinette." Lila replied.
"Don't be jealous. You know that you're my only one." Philip said with a smirk.
"I'll pretend that I believe you. Just remember what the consequences are if you betray me." Lila said before leaving the house.
Adrien heard footsteps getting closer so he quickly put the CD in his briefcase and immediately sat on the couch.
Marinette and Juleka walked in the study. "Sorry for making you wait so long, Plagg. Lila came to clear up the whole misunderstanding."
Adrien stood up. "It's fine I don't mind waiting and I'm glad you're feeling better Juleka and that everything was cleared up."
"Yea me too it turned out that I basically overreacted and Philip was just planning a second honeymoon for us in Hawaii that's why he had a receipt to a hotel room." Juleka stated.
Adrien didn't believe that but he didn't have proof of the contrary so he just smiled and nodded. "That was nice of him."
Juleka smiled back. "Yea I can't believe that I ever doubted him but one thing is for sure I'll never doubt him again."
Once Marinette and Adrien arrived back to the company Alix walked over to them. "Marinette Luka wants to talk to you in his office."
"Alright." Marinette looked at Adrien. "Plagg, continue the work that we were doing earlier while I talk to Luka."
Adrien nodded. "Of course." Adrien walked to the vice president office as Marinette walked to Luka's office.
Marinette knocked on the door and waited for permission to enter before she walked in and closed the door behind her. "You wanted to see me, Luka?"
Luka nodded as he stood up from the couch. "Yes Marinette, please sit down." He gestures to the chair in front of the couch. Marinette nodded as she sat down and Luka took his spot on the couch again. "I have been following the reports of the Miraculous Ladybug project and I wanted to tell you that I'm very satisfied with the good job your team is doing."
Marinette smiled. "Thanks Luka."
"The economy of Couffaine Group for the next few years depends on this project but I don't want you to dwell on the project too much. You should also take breaks and enjoy time with your family." Luka added. "I don't want you to shield yourself at work because of… Adrien's death."
"Don't worry Luka I'm working hard to make sure Miraculous Ladybug goes smoothly but I also take time to spend with my family especially with Hugo." Marinette replied.
Luka smiled. "That's what I wanted to hear."
Alya was looking at a picture of Adrien Nino and Edward as Nino and Edward's office was being rearranged so she could count on having a work space there too.
"I can't believe you'll be working with me now." Nino said with a smile.
Alya smiled. "I know it's like a dream come true."
"You'll do great at your new job and I will be here to help you." Nino stated.
"I'll be here too." Edward said from across the room.
"Thanks, you two. I just hope that I live up to the standards." Alya replied.
While Marinette was talking to Luka, Adrien took the chance to see what the CD he found in Philip's study was all about. He put the CD in the computer before opening it. All he saw was a lot of coding. Adrien knew a little bit of coding but this coding was too complex for him to understand and knew that Philip didn't know anything about coding so Adrien was confused why Philip had this. "What are you planning Philip…"
That night Marinette was putting Hugo to bed. "Do you have everything ready for school tomorrow honey?"
Hugo nodded. "Yes mommy and my school uniform… Can you read me a bedtime story?"
Marinette nodded. "Of course dear." She picked up Hugo's favorite book and started reading it.
Adrien was laying on his bed missing Marinette and Hugo. "This is torture I'm close to them but at the same time…I'm miles away. This is also affecting Marinette… and especially Hugo. I wish that I could do something to cheer them up at least a little… but I can't appear in front of them… at least not yet.." Adrien suddenly got an idea and he quickly left his room and went to the lobby where Nathaniel was doing some paperwork. "Nathaniel, do you have a film camera?"
Nathaniel nodded. "Yes, why?" Adrien just smiled at him.
"Why don't you let me go to the office?" Juleka asked Philip the next morning.
"Because the doctor told you that you need to stay in bed rest for a few days." Philip said with a fake smile.
"But I feel useless at home. Please let me go." Juleka basically pleaded.
"You know that nothing else would make me happier than to have you back at work but we don't want you to collapse again." Philip stated.
Juleka sighs. "Fine you have a point, I'll stay."
"Good I'll be back tonight." Philip said before grabbing his briefcase and leaving the house.
"Here's the report you asked for." Alya told Luka, handing him the report before sitting down across from his desk and next to Nino.
Luka opened the report and immediately looked impressed. "Wow Alya I still need to evaluate it a bit deeper but at a first glance it looks amazing. Good job."
Alya smiled. "Thanks Luka, I'm glad that you liked it."
"You'll only get the best from Alya." Nino said proudly.
"I can see that." Luka replied, returning the smile.
When Marinette sat down at her desk she saw a flash drive with a note on it that said 'Marinette Agreste'. Confused, she took the flash drive and put it on her computer before opening the file.
It was a video and it had Adrien's face on the screen. Marinette was surprised as she hesitantly pressed the play button. "Hay honey I'm making this video because I don't know when I'll be able to go back to you and Hugo. I need to go find evidence of my innocence but until then I want you and Hugo to live with your lives. I don't want you to dwell in my absence and continue doing a great job at work and as the best mother ever. Don't forget that asking for help is never a weakness if you need help emotionally, physically mentally don't hesitate and ask. After all, there are great people surrounding you who I know will help you. Plus I'm always going to be there for you and Hugo even if I'm miles away. I love you both, never doubt or forget it. I promise that you'll see me very soon and I never break my promises."
The video ended and Marinette was in tears with a smile thinking that Adrien did the video before his death and that he delivered it to her. It hurted seeing him even on a video but his words also made her happy. Marinette left the door slightly opened and Adrien was on the other side and saw her watching the video.
He slowly walked in and sat across from her. "Good morning Marinette…. Are you crying?"
Marinette looked at him in tears. "Plagg, do you know how this got on my desk?" Marinette gestured to the flash drive.
"I was cleaning your desk and I saw it with your name on it so I thought it was important and left it on your desk." Adrien replied.
Marinette stood up and walked over to him before hugging him. "Thank you Plagg, you don't know how much that video helped me."
Adrien hugged back. "You're welcome if I may ask what was in the video?"
Marinette broke the hug. "It was a video my husband made for me before he went on the run… and died. After watching it I feel like he's closer to me now more than ever."
Adrien smiled more. "You never know, maybe he is."
Marinette wiped her tears away. "I love him, Plagg. Adrien was the love of my life and you have no idea what I would do so he would still be alive now. Here in front of me so I could tell him that… I love you Adrien."
Adrien wished that he could respond to her but he couldn't. "Don't cry anymore Marinette, he might not be here right now but he is always going to be in your heart."
Marinette smiled softly. "I know Plagg I guess I just needed a reminder and that video was just what I needed and I'm sure that it's what Hugo needs too."
Alya walked in the office. "Hey Mari-... Hey what's wrong, were you crying?"
Marinette nodded. "Yes but I'm fine now."
"Why were you crying?" Alya asked concerned.
Marinette looked over at Adrien. "Plagg, do you mind leaving us alone?"
"No problem." Adrien stood up. "I'll be in the team's office working with Nino and Edward if you need me."
Marinette nodded. "Alright, thank you."
Once Adrien left Alya looked at Marinette. "So what's going on?"
"When I walked in the office this morning I found this on my desk and with my name on it." Marinette showed the flash drive to her.
"What's in there?" Alya asked.
"A video Adrien made most likely before he became a fugitive and especially before he died…" Marinette press play and the video played again.
After the video Alya was teary eyed. "Okay now I understand."
"Yes it's sad but at the same time it's comforting like a weight was lifting off my shoulders. I think it will be the same thing for Hugo." Marinette replied. "I know with his death he won't be able to keep that promise but it was nice hearing his voice again."
Alya nodded. "Yes I understand."
"So what did you want to tell me when you walked in?" Marinette asked.
"Oh that Luka was impressed with the report." Alya replied.
Marinette smiled. "I'm glad to hear that you were a great inclusion to our team."
That evening Marinette was washing dishes after dinner and Hugo was helping her by giving her the dishes from the table. "Here you go mommy, it's the last plate."
Marinette took the plate. "Thank you dear."
Hugo nodded and went to the living room as Marinette was finishing washing the dishes. Hugo saw the flash drive on the coffee table so he grabbed it. "Mommy what's this."
Marinette turned off the water and saw what he was holding. "Oh." She walked over to him. "That was the last message your daddy left us. Do you want to see it?"
Hugo nodded and Marinette put the video in her laptop. Hugo was quiet as tears fell down his cheeks but there was a sparkle in his eyes and he was smiling. That was all Marinette needed to see to smile.
Adrien stayed in the office to try to understand the coding that he found in Philip's study but just as he was about to start he received a phone call and he answered. "Hello?"
"Hey Plagg it's Juleka… I'm sorry about calling you so late but by any chance are you in the company?" Juleka asked.
"Yes, why?" Adrien asked back.
"Philip told me that he was coming late today because he had a late meeting at the office but it's been a few hours passed and I'm starting to get worried." Juleka replied. "By any chance do you know if he's still in the company?"
"I don't know I haven't left Marinette's office this whole time but I can check for you." Adrien knew that Philip wasn't there but he didn't want Juleka to get stressed out; it wasn't good for her health. "... No he isn't here he probably already left and just got stuck in traffic."
"I hope that you're right…" Juleka replied. "I don't want to think the worst since I promised myself that I wouldn't but after what happened today… I just have this bad feeling."
"Don't stress yourself Juleka it's not good for you I'm sure that he's just running late and it's not what you're thinking." Adrien said even though he had the strong suspension that Juleka's feeling wasn't wrong.
"You're right thanks Plagg and again I'm sorry for calling you so late." Juleka stated.
"Don't worry about it. Never hesitate to call. I'll help you and anyone who needs my help." Adrien said before hanging up.
At that point it was late and Adrien was tired so he decided to figure the CD out another day. He put the CD in his briefcase before leaving the office.
Adrien nor Juleka were wrong since at that moment Philip was at Lila's house betraying Juleka.
After a long time that Philip still hasn't appeared Juleka went to the company herself. She knew that Philip wasn't there because Plagg told her but she hoped that she might find something in Philip's office of where he went. She used the copy key that she had of his office and walked in. She hated looking though Philip's things but she was desperate and worried about him. She searched his desk and found a gift in one of his drawers with a note that was printed but had the date of a few days ago. It said 'For the best night I ever had'.
Juleka knew that she didn't write that note and she knew it wasn't from Philip to her because nothing happened that date between them. "Philip… this can't be yours, maybe it's a friend and you're just hiding it for them… that has to be it… it has too."
The next morning Marinette woke up with a bittersweet feeling. That specific day was Adrien's birthday and it was giving Marinette a wave of emotions. She was happy because of the video she saw yesterday but she was sad because it would be the first birthday that Adrien wasn't going to be there. She was also mad at the person who caused this.
Marinette got up and got dressed before waking Hugo up. "Honey, wake up, it's time to get up for school."
Hugo slowly opened his eyes and looked at Marinette with a soft smile. "Good morning mommy." his smile immediately faded. "Mommy today is daddy's birthday."
Marinette nodded. "Yes it is, I'm going to visit him. Do you want to come with me?"
Hugo immediately shook his head. "No mommy, it's going to be so sad… I'm not ready."
Marinette stroked his cheek. "Don't worry sweetheart you don't have to go if you don't want to…do you want me to give him something from you though?"
Hugo nodded before looking around and he quickly got off the bed before grabbing a rose from a vase and he gave the flower to her. "Give him this."
Marinette took the rose with a smile. "Of course dear."
Marinette went to the graveyard and she was in tears as she held the single red rose in her hand. The grave stone had the name of Adrien Agreste. A couple of weeks has passed but to Marinette she felt like she was just given the news that Adrien died. She was looking at the grave but it still didn't feel real to her. She felt like Adrien was near her.
That feeling Marinette had was true since Adrien was standing behind a tree watching Marinette with a frown. He was wearing white sneakers black jeans, a grey sweater, sunglasses and a black cap. He didn't know how but he had the feeling that Marinette was going to be there since it was his birthday.
Marinette put the single rose on top of the grave. "Happy birthday Adrien I miss you… Hugo misses you…I was actually doubting coming today because this is still so hard for me… for all of us that care about you. You didn't deserve this fate. I know that you didn't do it… you aren't a thief and I know that you would never do such a crime that you were accused of but I promise that I'm doing everything that I can to clear your name. I will not rest until the name Adrien Agreste is cleared again. I love you Adrien and I always will."
Marinette wiped her tears away as she walked away. She couldn't stay there any longer. Adrien watched her walk away as a single tear fell down his cheek. "I miss and love you too princess. You and Hugo. I'm sorry that I'm making you go through this."
"You took a risky move going to the graveyard as yourself." Chloe told Adrien once he went back to the rental home.
"I know but I wanted to see if Marinette remembered my birthday." Adrien replied.
"Well you saw that she did, so be careful about the risks you take next time." Nathaniel warned.
Adrien sighs. "You don't have to tell me Nathaniel. I'm aware of how risky it was but I had to do it. To make me feel better… instead though it made me feel worse."
In Marinette's office Marinette was sitting at her desk in tears as Alya was next to her trying to calm her down. "Calm down Mari I know it hurts. I mean it hasn't been that long since Adrien died but you should cherish the memories today more than ever."
Marinette wipes her eyes. "I know Alya. I thought that I was ready to visit his grave and I knew that I had to go today but being there just took me back to when I was told that he died."
"I wish that I could tell you comforting words but I haven't experienced what you experienced. Yes Adrien was my friend but he was your husband. I can only imagine what that must feel like. Though you must stay strong, that's what he would want and just keep that promise you made to him." Alya said with an encouraging smile.
Marinette nodded. "That's my plan but I don't even know where to start."
"Don't worry about that, I'm here to help you and the rest are here too. I know that together we'll find the real criminal and clear Adrien's name." Alya said and Marinette smiled softly.
Adrien walked out the elevator to the second floor and saw the three secretaries. "Hi everyone."
"Hi Plagg, you arrived late." Alix stated.
"Yes I know I had to deal with something personal this morning." Adrien replied.
"That's okay Marinette just arrived too." Mylene stated.
"By the way Plagg we haven't found anything about Roland Rople but we are still trying to find information about him." Rose stated.
Adrien smiled. "I appreciate it, thank you."
"Of course we love to help our friends." Rose said brightly.
At that moment the elevators opened and Chloe walked out with a bright smile. "Plagg cus! How are you doing?"
Adrien looked at her surprised and shocked. "She's your cousin Plagg?" Mylene asked him.
"Yes I'm Chloe Kurtzberg Plagg's cousin." Chloe said while standing next to Adrien. "Nice to meet you, what are your names?"
"I'm Rose!" Rose said brightly.
"I'm Alix." Alix said softly.
"I'm Mylene." Mylene added.
"Chloe what are you doing here?" Adrien asked with a fake bright smile and Chloe just smiled sheepishly.
"Marinette, I want to congratulate you for the great work you're doing." Philip told Marinette while sitting across from her desk.
Marinette smiled. "Thanks Philip but I'm not doing anything special I'm just doing my job and I'm doing it with pleasure."
"Well you're a brilliant smart woman no wonder Adrien picked you as his wife." Philip said with a smile.
"Thank you for having that mindset about me but I don't deserve it." Marinette replied.
"I have to differ with you on that. You deserve that and a lot more." Philip stated.
"Excuse me for a moment." Adrien told the secretaries before gently dragging Chloe aside. "What are you doing here?" He whispered.
"I came to help you investigate." Chloe whispered back. "And while I'm helping you I might gain more clients." Chloe walked back to the secretaries before Adrien could stop her. "Ladies if you're interested I am a hairstylist here's my business card." Chloe hands each a card. "I do all kinds of styles."
"How much do you charge?" Alix asked her.
"It depends on the style and your income. I charge fairly for everyone." Chloe replied.
Adrien was dumbfounded and unsure how to react to the situation.
Marinette was washing her hands in the bathroom when Lila walked over to her. "Marinette, you are just the person that I wanted to see."
"How can I help you Lila?" Marinette asked with an emotionless expression.
"I don't need your help with anything…actually scratch that you can give me classes." Lila stated. "A while ago you were nothing, now look at where you are now."
"I don't understand what you are talking about." Marinette said looking at her confused.
"That's why I can't stand you because you act like a saint. Let's take our masks off once and for all." Lila said sternly.
Marinette nodded. "Alright tell me whatever you want to tell me and don't be indirect."
"Alright tell me exactly what you're looking for as the head vice president." Lila asked.
"Work and have Miraculous Ladybug be a success." Marinette replied. "Do you want me to be more clear?"
Lila laughed. "Don't act so intelligent. You are just a street rat of bakers who just happened to get lucky marrying one of the richest guys in Paris. He died so now you must be looking for a new rich man."
Marinette crossed her arms. "You think every woman is like you but I'm not that kind of woman. You don't know me. I got here with my hard work and I'm confident that's all I need to live my life. I do my responsibilities in an honest way."
"Yea right don't act so innocent since it doesn't fit you." Lila said sternly before walking away.
Luka walked to the lobby. "Alix I'm going to-" He saw Chloe. "Oh who's this?"
"Luka let me introduce you to my… cousin Chloe Kurtzberg." Adrien said awkwardly. "Chloe, this is Luka Couffaine, the president and the majority owner of this company."
"Nice to meet you." Chloe said with a smile.
Luka nodded. "Likewise."
Kagami walked over to Luka. "Okay Luka I'm ready to go - oh hello." Kagami looked at Chloe.
Chloe kept her smile. "Hello."
"Kagami, this is Chloe Kurtzberg, my cousin." Adrien stated. "She came to see me. I hope that's okay."
"Yes of course it's nice to meet you Chloe. If you're Plagg's cousin then you're welcome here anytime." Kagami said with a smile.
"Thank you." Chloe replied.
"Anyway, let's go Luka or we'll be late for the meeting." Kagami said to Luka.
Luka nodded. "Right Alix if someone calls me tell them that I'm going to be at a meeting and please save any messages."
"Alright." Alix replied before Luka and Kagami walked away.
A little bit later Adrien was at Marinette's desk trying to figure out what the coding was about. Marinette wasn't there because she left early. Keeping up with her emotions was getting hard for her so she went home to be with Hugo and her parents. Adrien hated seeing her depressed but he sadly couldn't do anything about it.
Chloe was standing next to him looking at the computer confused. "What's this supposed to be? I only see nonsense."
"It's called coding whatever this software does or means Philip obviously doesn't want anyone to know about it." Adrien replied.
"So what do you plan to do with it?" Chloe asked.
"I know a little bit about coding. If I can uncode as much as I know I might be able to get hints about what this coding is or better yet be able to uncode the whole thing." Adrien replied and Chloe nodded as Adrien started to work. However his phone started ringing and he answered a bit frustrated. "Hello?"
"Hi Plagg it's Juleka, is Marinette there with you?" Juleka's voice came from the other line and it sounded like she was crying.
"No, she went home early. She's depressed since today is Adrien's birthday and she wanted to be home with her family." Adrien replied.
"Yea I get I wish I was in the mood to cheer her up but I'm depressed too. How about the rest?" Juleka asked.
"The secretaries went out for lunch, Alya is working with Nino and Kagami is with Luka at a business meeting." Adrien replied. "Why are you depressed?"
"It's nothing really… I know yesterday I said that I wouldn't doubt the faithfulness of Philip again but last night I found concrete evidence that he's cheating on me." Juleka started to cry again. "Maybe it's a good thing that the girls are unavailable. I don't want to bother them with this again."
Adrien felt bad for Juleka; she shouldn't have to suffer because of Philip. "Hold on, I'm on my way."
"That's very kind of you Plagg but you don't have to come." Juleka stated.
"It will be my pleasure. You're my friend and right now you need a friend to cheer you up." Adrien replied as he took out the CD from the computer. "I know that it might not be the same as with one of the girls but it's better than you being alone."
"Alright… thanks Plagg you really are a great friend." Juleka stated.
"Anytime." Adrien replied before hanging up.
"What happened?" Chloe asked concern.
"Juleka is in tears right now thinking that Philip is cheating on her. There's no doubt in my mind that he is but she shouldn't be suffering for him. He's not worth it and she doesn't deserve it so I'm going to go cheer her up."
Chloe nodded. "You're doing a good thing and maybe you'll find concrete evidence in your favor when you're there."
"Maybe but right now I'm more concerned about Juleka, her happiness and her health." Adrien stated standing up. "Do you mind taking the CD?"
"No, of course not." Chloe said, putting the CD in her purse.
"Dear, you should talk about how you are feeling." Sabine told Marinette while sitting next to her on the couch.
"It hurts not having him here with me mom. I miss him and I can't forget about him." Marinette said in tears.
"No one is asking you to forget about him, Marinette. Keep his memories alive, just don't dwell in the past." Sabine replied.
"Your mom is right sweetie, we sadly can't bring him back but he always lives in your heart." Tom added sitting on the other side of Marinette.
"You have a point, thanks." Marinette hugged her parents and they hugged her back with soft smiles.
Adrien walked into the Gain mansion. The door was opened most likely since Juleka knew that he was coming. He walked into the living room and saw Juleka sitting on the couch about to take an overdose of sleeping pills.
"What do you think you're doing!" Adrien exclaimed, rushing over to her, taking the bottle and pills away from her hands.
"I need to die, there's no point in living anymore." Juleka stated in tears.
Adrien sat next to her. "There's plenty of reasons why you should keep on living. For starters you deserve to live no matter what Philip does or says. Plus think about everyone that would miss you, your brother and your friends including me."
"But I'm sick anyway I'm just a burden to everyone. Maybe that's it, Philip just got tired of me." Juleka said sadly.
"You're not a burden to anyone and if Philip did cheat on you then it's his loss not yours. I'll give you what you need right now, love from a friend." Adrien said with a smile. "Now tell me why do you think Philip cheated on you this time?"
Juleka showed him the box and note that she found in Philip's desk. "Nothing happened between us that night so he spent the night with another woman and last night he came back home at 1 in the morning."
"Do you have a salon or do you do home visits or both?" Rose asked Chloe.
"I do home visits and no I don't have a salon but I do have a rental home with my husband where clients can come to." Chloe replied. "Plagg lives there with us."
"Really I didn't know that Plagg lived in a rental home." Alix stated.
"Yes he moved there when he came to Paris from LA. Though he keeps working most nights trying to find a Roland Rople guy." Chloe replied, trying to help Adrien with gathering as much information as possible.
"Yes we know we are trying to help him too, it's like this Roland Rople was eaten by the ground or disappeared from thin air." Mylene stated
"The last time I saw him was on that dreadful day when our dear Adrien, rest in peace, was accused of that terrible crime." Alix added.
Chloe slowly nodded. "Yes I heard of that unfortunate situation."
"Please don't leave Plagg, I don't want to be alone." Juleka said in a quiet tone.
"Don't worry Juleka I won't leave you alone but I think that we should call Philip." Adrien didn't really think that was a great idea but in situations like this it would be suspicious if Adrien showed his dislike for Philip.
"No, I don't want him to find out about what I was about to do." Juleka stated.
Adrien nodded. "I understand and if it's true that he's cheating on you then he's a jerk and doesn't deserve your love but you need proof because I don't think a simple gift with no name is enough evidence to accuse him." Adrien was 99% sure Philip was cheating but there really wasn't enough evidence to prove that. "If you excuse me I need to make a phone call I'll be right back."
"Alright but please don't take long." Juleka stated.
Adrien nodded as he went to a different room and dialed a number. "... Chloe I need you to come to the Gain mansion ASAP. I'll give you the address."
"Please take me Gabriel." Emilie asked with a sad smile.
"Why do you want me to take you to his house Emilie? Marinette and Hugo aren't even living there right now." Gabriel stated.
"I know that I just want to grab some of his things. I already asked Marinette if I could go and she said yes." Emilie replied.
Gabriel sighs. "Fine, I'll tell the driver to get the car ready." Gabriel walked away.
Emilie smiled and then she saw the picture of her holding Adrien as a baby. She smiled sadly as she picked up the picture. She felt that the frame was uneven so she flipped the frame and opened it to find the letter Adrien left her. She took it out before putting the picture frame back and then she opened the letter and read it.
When Chloe arrived at the Gain mansion Juleka had fallen asleep on the couch. "Thanks for staying with her Chloe. Hopefully she is calmer when she wakes up."
"Don't worry about her, I'm good at cheering people up." Chloe replied with a bright smile.
"Well I'm heading back to CG to try and figure out if Philip really is cheating on her." Adrien stated.
"Is that what she told you?" Chloe asked, surprised.
"Yes and I have no doubt that it's true but Philip is a great liar and she'll need more evidence but sooner or later the truth always comes out." Adrien replied. "Plus I have the strong feeling that he's after my Marinette."
"Well based on what you told me about her I doubt she would get involved with a married man especially the husband of a best friend but legally there's nothing stopping her from falling in love with someone else since you're 'dead'." Chloe stated. "She can't mourn for you forever."
Adrien sighs. "I know but I'm hoping to prove my innocence before that happens."
Chloe nodded before Adrien left the house and Chloe sat next to Juleka's head.
As Emilie was getting the things of Adrien in the second Agreste mansion Gabriel was looking around the house with a bittersweet feeling.
Emilie soon walked over to him with a couple of Adrien's things in her hands. "Okay I have everything I want to take."
"Good let's go, I don't want to stay here any longer than I have to." Gabriel stated.
Emilie nodded. "Sometimes silence speaks more than words and this house has a lot to say about Adrien."
Philip was furious when he found out that Marinette went home early because it was Adrien's birthday. He still didn't understand why everyone still mourned for him, especially since the accusations were supposed to make everyone hate him. Even now that he was dead Adrien was still held on a throne. Phillip had to find a way to make Marinette forget or hate Adrien if he wants her to be all his.
Philip was walking past the lobby when he heard the secretaries talking.
"Okay I'll look for Roland Rople on Facebook and Twitter." Alix was saying.
"Meanwhile I'll look online. There has to be something about him if he works at a modeling agency." Rose added.
"Ladies, may I know why the interest about Mr. Rople?" Philip asked while walking over to them.
"We are helping Plagg contact him because he wants to ask Mr. Rople if his agency could send models for the Miraculous Ladybug project." Alix replied.
"Well I know Mr. Rople and I can give Plagg the contact information." Philip stated.
"Philip, that's so nice of you thank you!" Rose said overjoyed.
"Of course." Philip said with a fake smile.
At that moment Adrien walked out from the elevator doors. "Philip, just the person I wanted to see, guess where I was? With Juleka the women you promised to love and cherish forever. She's a bit depressed and I advise you to call her."
Philip gave him a stern look. "Alright I'll do that." He left for his office.
"Is Juleka okay?" The three women asked at once worried about their friend.
"Yes she's okay she just misses her loving faithful husband." Adrien replied half lying since he promised Juleka he wouldn't say anything to her friends.
Juleka slowly woke up and sat back up rubbing her eyes. When she noticed Chloe sitting next to her she quickly stood up and freaked out. "Who are you and what are you doing in my house?"
Chloe stood up. "Don't freak out, I'm Chloe Kurtzberg Plagg's cousin. He had to go back to work so he asked me to come keep you company. He's very worried about you."
Juleka sighs in relief and sits back down. "Plagg is like a guardian angel and a great friend… now that I know that my husband doesn't care about me."
"You shouldn't suffer for any man." Chloe stated. "There's only a few men that are worth it as a friend or partner and we should always appreciate them before they are gone."
"You can say that again. One of my best friends just lost her husband and he was a great man." Juleka replied. "He left way too soon."
"Yea and the bad men stay for way too long." Chloe added. "I know what it feels like to be betrayed by them. I can't even tell you the number of times I cried because of them but when I realized that with or without a man I can be happy because I'm strong and I'm better alone than being with bad company I was better. Though I was lucky enough to eventually find a great man that I knew would always be there for me no matter what and now I'm married to him. Women need to love and respect themselves first before trying to find the right man."
Juleka smiled. "I like the way you think, Chloe."
"I want you to learn everything about him and if everything in here is true." Philip told Francisco in his office while handing him a folder.
Francisco opened the folder and found the resume of Plagg Noir. "Sure but why do you care about him?"
"He's sticking his nose in places he shouldn't and that makes me suspicious about him." Philip replied.
"Well I'll start tomorrow since Lila is expecting me." Francisco stated.
"Make up an excuse and do what I told you. That brat can't order higher than me." Philip replied.
"That brat? I can tell that you're not interested in her anymore." Francisco stated.
"You're right I'm now interested in someone else." Philip said with a smirk. "I'm going to conquer Marinette Agreste no matter what the cost is."
"Hey Chloe, how is Juleka doing?" Adrien asked Chloe over the phone.
"She's doing better and I have a plan to make her feel even better." Chloe replied.
"Great, I'll be there soon." Adrien stated.
"Alright see you soon." Chloe hung up and looked at Juleka who was still sitting on the couch. "Plagg should come back soon."
Juleka nodded. "Alright and what's your plan to make me feel even better?"
Chloe smiled. "Like I said earlier, before you can love a man you need to learn to love yourself and lucky for you I'm a hairstylist and I know about fashion."
"Where did you learn to be so fashionable?" Juleka asked.
"My mom was a fashion designer and my husband is an artist. He also designs great clothes. Plus I was always interested in hair products and styles." Chloe replied.
"Do you think Philip will like it?" Juleka asked.
"There's no reason why he wouldn't but remember this makeover is for you not him." Chloe stated and Juleka nodded.
"Philip, what a surprise! I thought that our partnership ended." Stella said over the phone.
"I'm trying to contact your friend Roland to ask him something but it seems that it's easier to contact the president." Philip replied sarcastically. "Maybe you can answer it has to do with -"
"Sorry but like you said Roland is my friend not my son so whatever you want to know ask him directly now if you excuse me I have a lot of work to do." Stella hangs up.
Philip rolled his eyes. "Typical for women now let's see if this idiot answers." He dialed Roland's number. "...Wow about time that you answer where have you been?"
"Dealing with some things, do you need anything?" Roland asked.
"Yes I need you to disappear because I don't want those looking for you causing problems for both of us." Philip replied before hanging up.
At that moment Francisco walked into Philip's office. "Okay I did what you told me. These places in his resume do exist in the United States but they have been closed for years."
"I knew that there was something off about him and I think it's time to investigate much more about him." Philip said threateningly.
That night Marinette decided to visit Gabriel and Emilie. She felt like it was the right thing to do considering what day it was and maybe his parents would be able to give her comfort and vice versa.
Marinette walked in and saw Gabriel. "Good evening Gabriel."
"Marinette, what are you doing here? Is there something wrong with Hugo?" Gabriel asked, confused and concerned.
"No Hugo is just fine physically. emotionally though he's missing his dad especially today." Marinette replied.
Gabriel nodded. "I understand today is a bittersweet day for all of us."
Juleka twirled in front of Adrien and Chloe. "What do you guys think?"
She was wearing a simple purple dress with matching shoes. Her hair was strengthened and it was all black except for her tips which were dyed purple again and a headband was holding her hair back as both her eyes were visible for the first time in a long time.
"You look beautiful." Adrien said with a smile.
Juleka smiled. "It's all thanks to your cousin Chloe she did a wonderful job."
"Natural beauty counts and you're beautiful." Chloe replied. "I barely did anything. Now if you excuse me I need to call my husband to make sure everything is going well at the rental home." Chloe walked to a different room.
Adrien walked closer to Juleka. "Juleka promised me that you'll never attempt to do anything against your life again."
Juleka nodded. "I promise Plagg I regret doing that."
Adrien smiled. "Please try to lift your self esteem because you're beautiful inside and out. You need to value yourself."
"I was sure that I educated him to be a man with integrity." Gabriel said with a sigh. "Until I found out he was a thief."
Marinette was sitting next to him on the couch and she was surprised. "You actually think that he did it?"
"What I think is that he made a mistake betraying Luka." Gabriel replied. "Stealing from a friend is something I'll never understand."
Marinette couldn't stay there any longer hearing Gabriel talk like that about Adrien. "Well I don't want to take much more of your time."
Marinette stood up and was about to leave when Emilie walked into the living room and saw her. "Marinette, I'm so glad to see you." Emilie hugged her.