"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.
"Now I just need to unmask whoever is trying to steal Philip away from me." Juleka told Adrien with a frown. "Even if he's not cheating on me, someone still gave him that gift."
"Well also keep in mind that the gift could also have been just a friendly gift without any of that kind of intentions." Adrien replied.
Juleka sighs. "You do have a point, Plagg but either way I still want to find that person to clear things up."
"I agree with you that the best way to deal with this situation is to find the truth." Adrien replied.
"I'll let you two alone to talk." Gabriel said before standing up from the couch and walked away.
Emilie and Marinette sat down on the couch. "I can see that you have an upset look and it does not have to do with what today is. Gabriel said something, didn't he? What did he say?"
Marinette sighs. "He actually believes that Adrien stole that money but I know that he didn't and it upsets me that his own father thinks the worst of him."
"I know it upsets me too but like you I know that Adrien didn't steal that money because I taught him to always honor his name." Emilie replied. "Right now we have a lot to talk about. How's Hugo doing?"
"Well besides missing his dad he's doing alright." Marinette replied.
Emilie nodded. "The poor thing. It's always hard to lose a parent but it's especially hard for a child."
"Remember to always take care of yourself Juleka for your friends and family but especially for yourself." Adrien stated with a smile.
Juleka returned the smile. "Thanks for everything Plagg."
"You're welcome. Now I think it's time for Chloe and I to go since we overcame our welcome." Adrien stated.
At that moment Philip walked in the house. "Honey, you're home." Juleka said brightly.
"Hi dear I see that you have your fan club with you." Philip said, holding a fake smile.
"Plagg brought his cousin Chloe to keep me company. Do you notice something different about me?" Juleka asked softly with a smile.
Philip glanced at her. "You put your bracelet on."
Juleka sighs. "No Philip, look closely Chloe gave me a makeover."
"Don't worry Juleka, sometimes men don't know how to appreciate true beauty." Adrien stated.
"Well I think that it's time for us to go, Plagg." Chloe said gently pushing Adrien out the front door.
"Wait Plagg, I was looking through your resume." Philip suddenly blurted out.
Adrien held a fake smile trying to not freak out. "What for?"
"Well with your great work I was thinking about giving you other assignments besides just being Marinette's assistant." Philip replied.
"Oh well that's nice of you." Adrien stated.
"That's why I was wondering if you could talk to me about your previous jobs." Philip added. "I want to know everything about you."
"Sure but you won't be able to contact anyone because the companies I onced worked for are now closed." Adrien replied.
"Yes, because of unfortunate circumstances a few years ago." Chloe added.
"Dear, I don't think that it's time to talk about Plagg's job experience. There's plenty of time tomorrow." Juleka stated.
Philip nodded. "Yes we'll talk tomorrow in the office."
Juleka looked at Adrien and Chloe with a smile. "I have no way of thanking you for what you two have done for me. Please come visit more often. The doors of this house will always be open for you."
"Thank you, I'll text you later." Chloe replied with a smile.
"Have a good night." Adrien said before he left the house with Chloe.
"You know Marinette Adrien has always shown me that he loved you and Hugo with actions but he has also written about it." Emilie grabbed the picture frame from the coffee table and took out the letter. "I found this letter today but he most likely wrote it before he went on the run. I think that it's important for you to read it."
Emilie handed the letter to Marinette and she took it and opened it before starting to read it.
Dear mom,
I need to go find evidence for my innocence. I didn't commit the crime I'm being accused of and I know that you believe that. If only dad believed me too. I might do things that are risky and even if I regret some things I plan to do I know one thing… I'll never regret loving the most amazing woman in the world. Marinette Agreste my one and only true love.
Marinette was in tears and she was closing the letter but Emilie stopped her. "Don't be afraid dear, continue reading it."
Marinette took a deep breath and continued reading it.
She's my world and so is Hugo. I hate seeing them suffer and I don't want to leave them like this but it's the only way I know to be able to clear everything up. Please mom keep them safe and make sure that they know that no matter what I'm always going to be there for them and you… I promise that you'll see me very soon.
Love Adrien.
Marinette was crying hard as she gave the letter back to Emilie. Emilie took it before hugging her crying too. "He couldn't keep that promise physically but he's keeping his promise with the memories we have of him."
Marinette nodded. "Thank you so much Emilie, this is what I needed."
"Me too and you know Adrien was always a man of his word and he's keeping it even now." Emilie replied. "He promised that we'll see each other very soon and I know that in my heart that I will see him again someday."
Marinette left the house holding the letter in her left hand as her right hand was dialing a number on her phone. "Hey Alya, are you available to go to the bakery right now? I need a friend to talk to… great see you soon."
By the time Marinette arrived at the bakery Alya was already waiting for her. "Hey girl what's up?"
"I need you to read this." Marinette handed the letter to Alya and she read it.
"... Wow this is deep. I swear he should have become a writer not a businessman." Alya stated playfully.
Marinette nodded. "Yes but he always showed me his love with actions, not just words."
"This letter shows that he was willing to risk anything to keep you and Hugo safe and to be with you two." Alya stated.
Marinette smiled softly. "I have been crying more of happiness than sadness lately and that's an improvement… I just don't understand who would do this to us."
"We'll figure this out girl but for now just enjoy the moment." Alya stated with a smile.
"You're right." Marinette hugged her. "Thanks for coming."
"Of course, girl anytime." Alya hugged back.
"I'm going to put Hugo to bed now." Marinette said, breaking the hug and Alya nodded as Marinette walked up the stairs.
"Being Plagg is killing me guys." Adrien told Nathaniel and Chloe as he took off his wig. "I have to lie to my family and friends and act as a different person. I want to take this disguise off as soon as possible."
"Well until you find evidence of your innocence you're stuck being Plagg Noir." Nathaniel stated. "Because if not you'll be taken straight to prison as Adrien Agreste. Therefore find evidence because this seems like it's going to take a while."
"I know but the worst part is that Philip is trying to take my wife." Adrien replied frustrated.
"Talking about Philip, it's weird that he asked you about your work experience." Chloe stated.
"Yes it's weird I don't understand why he's investigating that." Adrien replied. "Why would he car-could he be suspecting something?"
"Let's hope not just be careful. I didn't like that guy from the moment I met him. I can tell that he's not a good person." Chloe stated.
"If Chloe says that it has to be true." Nathaniel replied.
"Philip was never a good person." Adrien added. "Even though I didn't go there for this reason, I wish I had the chance to search Philip's study. I need to figure out where he keeps his safe because there has to be something in there that can help me prove my innocence."
"Well maybe next time I can distract Juleka while you search the house." Chloe suggested.
"Yea good idea." Adrien replied.
"Now that we covered that, Adrien close your eyes." Nathaniel stated.
Adrien looked at him confused. "Why?"
"Just do it." Nathaniel stated. "And don't open them until we tell you to."
Adrien closed his eyes and he heard movement going on. "Can I open them now?"
"Yes." Nathaniel replied.
Adrien opened his eyes and saw Chloe and Nathaniel holding a cake. "Happy birthday!"
Adrien smiled softly. "Thanks guys, that's so generous of you."
"You deserve it." Chloe replied with a smile.
"Please forgive me for asking you this Philip but I need you to be honest with me." Juleka said softly. "Have you ever been unfaithful?"
"Me!?" Philip asked, pretending to be in shock. "Of course not. Honey I'm the man of one woman."
"Not even once?" Juleka asked.
"Not even with my thoughts." Philip replied. "And even if I wanted to, I wouldn't have time I go from work to home and vice versa."
Juleka smiled softly. "Okay I believe you."
"Mommy I haven't seen you so happy since daddy died." Hugo told Marinette after she read him a bedtime story.
Marinette nodded. "Yes I haven't smiled since I miss him and it hurts that he's not with us anymore but today I kept thinking about the good times we had together. After all, I know that he always loved us."
Hugo smiled brightly. "I'm glad to see you happy. Plagg told me daddy is keeping us safe even though he's not with us. Do you believe that?"
Marinette smiled with a huge smile. "Yes I do."
The next morning Adrien walked into Marinette's office and saw her so happy and smiley. "Good morning Marinette, you seem happy. May I know what the occasion is?"
Marinette looked at him with a bright smile. "This face is because of a man."
Adrien raised an eyebrow not wanting to jump into conclusions. "Really and who is it if I may know?"
Marinette giggled. "Who else would it be but Adrien Agreste."
Adrien sat down across from her. "How so?"
"I went to visit his parents yesterday and Emilie, his mom, gave me a letter that he left behind and it was wonderful and beautiful and now I can't stop smiling." Marinette replied. "Even after the fact that he's not here his love is still strong."
Adrien smiled knowing what letter she was referring to. "Well I'm glad that you're happy."
"Me too, I wish that he was here because I have a lot of things to tell him." Marinette replied.
"Tell them out loud I know that he'll hear you." Adrien stated.
"I know but I would prefer to tell him face to face." Marinette replied.
"Do it Marinette, pretend that I'm Adrien." Adrien stated. "It will make you feel good speaking out your emotions."
Marinette nodded and was about to do it when Alya walked in. "Sorry for interrupting but I need to talk to you… alone sorry Plagg."
Adrien stood up. "It's fine I'll be with Nino and Edward." He left the office.
"Here's the list of every place listed in Plagg's resume of his work experience like I said before they have been closed for years now." Francisco told Philip, giving him the list.
Philip looked at the list. "There's something suspicious going on here."
"So do you want me to follow him from now on?" Francisco asked.
Philip nodded. "Yes."
"Alright but talk to Lila about it because she keeps ordering me around." Francisco stated.
"I'll talk to her." Philip replied, sitting on his chair.
"Plus I don't think that it's necessary to keep working for her right?" Francisco asked. Without them knowing Lila was walking toward the open door of Philip's office. "There's no point after all since you only put me to work for Lila to keep an eye on her and know every place she goes to. I don't think that-"
"You put that street rat to keep an eye on me?" Lila asked sternly, walking in with cross arms.
"Yes, Francisco, please leave us alone." Francisco nodded and left the office. "Lila I'm not in the mood to argue with you today."
"Funny you're the one being unfaithful with our plan yet you don't trust me." Lila said sternly. "Go ahead, spy on me but you won't find anything."
"I was so close in telling Marinette the whole truth." Adrien told Chloe and Nathaniel in his room. "It was the perfect moment to tell her who Plagg Noir really is and I let it go."
After working with Nino and Edward for a while Adrien went to the rental home to rumble to them in frustration of what happened earlier that day.
"Well good thing that you did." Nathaniel stated. "Because if not you would've ruined everything. Not to mention scare her to death."
"I was dying to tell her that I love her." Adrien added.
"Keep that inside until the right moment." Chloe stated. "You don't know how she might react if you tell her now. Plus you need proof of your innocence."
"...The right moment is now." Adrien mumbled. "She knows that I'm innocent. I'll just go to her and tell her the truth."
"Think about it, Adrien don't make the wrong move." Nathaniel warned him.
"I have nothing to think about." Adrien replied.
"You are aware that after this you might go to prison right?" Chloe asked.
Adrien nodded. "I'm aware but I'm willing to take the risk…. It's time for Plagg Noir to die."
Marinette was working on her computer when her phone rang and she answered. "Hello?"
"Hi Marinette, it's Plagg." Adrien said over the phone.
"Plagg where are you? No one here knows where you went." Marinette stated.
"I'm sorry I had to deal with a family issue." Plagg replied. "Is it okay if we have lunch together?"
"Sure where?" Marinette asked. "... Yes I know where it is, see you soon." Marinette hung up, grabbed her purse and left her office. At that moment Philip walked over to her and they started talking.
"Marinette is Plagg a good assistant? If not or if you're having problems with him we can look for a new assistant for you." Philip stated as they walked to the elevator.
"No he's the best assistant anyone could ask for and a great friend." Marinette replied with a smile.
Philip nodded, faking a smile. "That's great. How much do you know about him?"
Marinette stops in her tracks and thinks about it. "Honestly I don't know much about him aside from what's in his resume. Do you need to know anything specific about Plagg?"
"No I'm just curious I heard from the secretaries that he's trying to locate Roland Rople so his modeling agency can work with us in Miraculous Ladybug." Philip replied. "I might be able to help him."
Marinette nodded remembering that man. "Yes I'm aware… I'm actually going to meet up with Plagg for lunch. Would you like to join us?"
Philip nodded. "Sure."
Marinette and Philip arrived at the restaurant and they picked a table. "Marinette, during the journey you seemed a bit distant, are you okay?"
"Distant? No, I'm okay." Marinette mumbled looking around the restaurant.
Philip nodded and stood up. "I'll be right back." Philip walked away.
At that moment Adrien walked in the restaurant wearing his cap and his face was hidden behind a big bouquet of flowers. When he saw Marinette he smiled and mumbled. "Marinette my love."
Marinette was looking around and she was about to face Adrien. Adrien was about to walk up to her when he saw that Philip was at the restaurant too so he quickly turned around, left the flowers on a table and dashed out from the restaurant.
Marinette caught a glimpse of him and she quickly stood up in shock. "Adrien?" She went after him but it was too late Adrien was out of sight.
Philip walked over to her and grabbed her arm. "Marinette, are you okay? Where are you going?"
Marinette looked at him feeling confused. "It's just that… I thought I saw… it's nothing."
"Are you sure that you're okay?" Philip asked.
Marinette nodded. "Yes I'm sure… I just thought that I saw Adrien….I was with Adrien the last time that I was here."
"Yes I remember I was here with Juleka, Luka and Kagami." Philip stated. "If you feel uncomfortable we can go somewhere else."
"No, I'm fine now plus Plagg should be here soon. I'll call him and see where he is at." Marinette replied and Philip nodded as they walked back to the table.
Meanwhile Adrien stopped at an alleyway and he sighs. "Why did she have to be with Philip?" His phone rang and he answered knowing that it was Marinette. "Hi Marinette I'm on my way there was a lot of traffic."
"It's fine Plagg but hurry up we have a lot to talk about." Marinette replied.
"Alright I'm on my way." Adrien hangs up and sighs. "What am I going to do now?"
"Edward, do you have the report Marinette asked for?" Nino asked Edward.
Edward nodded. "Yes I have it all ready… by the way where's Alya?"
"At lunch with the secretaries." Nino replied. "Since we have a lot of work she's going to bring us food."
"That's great because I'm starving." Edward stated.
"So how are you and your son Hugo doing?" Philip asked Marinette.
"We're doing okay better than before." Marinette replied with a smile. "I was actually thinking about going back to our house soon since it's almost ready to move back in."
Philip nodded. "That's great to hear but won't it be hard for both of you since that place has a lot of memories of Adrien."
"I think that we're ready to handle it with sadness yet happiness at the same time." Marinette replied with a smile. "Since Plagg isn't here and time is going by, why don't we start ordering?"
Philip nodded. "Sure."
Adrien had to go back to the rental home to put on his Plagg Noir disguise and both Nathaniel and Chloe were relieved.
"I think that it was fate telling you that it wasn't time to kill Plagg yet." Nathaniel stated.
"I didn't really have any choice since Philip was there with her." Adrien replied. "He's really trying to win her over but I won't let that happen."
"Well either way what you were planning on doing was crazy and good thing that you didn't do it." Chloe stated.
Adrien rushed over to Marinette and Philip. "Sorry for the delay, it was crazy how much traffic there was today."
"It's fine, it happens." Marinette replied with a smile as Adrien sat across from her.
"Oh Philip I didn't know you were coming." Adrien stated looking over at Philip with a fake smile.
"Well it wasn't planned." Philip replied, faking a smile too.
"I invited Philip to come because he says that he can help you contact Roland Rople to see if his modeling agency could send models to work with us in Miraculous Ladybug." Marinette stated.
Philip nodded. "That's right however I don't think it'd be a good idea to hire his agency considering the bad first impression he gave you Marinette and most of CG."
"I'm aware of the incident however I don't think we should punish the agency just because of one employee." Adrien stated not liking where this was going.
"I agree with Plagg. I'm not fond of Mr. Rople for his declarations against Adrien but I have nothing against the agency that I never had contact with before." Marinette added.
Philip nodded. "Okay well I have tried to contact him already but he hasn't answered yet. However, I'll keep trying."
"You do that." Adrien said with a fake smile.
"I'm more convinced now that Philip is after Marinette." Adrien told Nathaniel and Chloe with a hiss on his tone.
"Well what do you plan to do?" Nathaniel asked.
"I need to do two things find Roland Rople and prevent Philip from making a move on Marinette." Adrien replied.
"How do you plan to do that?" Chloe asked.
"You'll see." Adrien grabbed his phone and dialed a number. "...Hi Juleka."
"Hey Plagg what a surprise that you're calling me what's up?" Juleka greeted gently.
"I'm just checking on you to see how you are doing." Adrien replied.
"I'm doing better, thank you for asking." Juleka said with a smile. "Say hi to Chloe for me."
"Of course." Adrien replied. "You know I was thinking and I think you should come back to work at CG. I know how much you love working there and if you stay at home too long you might get depressed and that's not good for your health."
"You're right I have a lot of good ideas for the company and I can't do them at home." Juleka stated. "And I miss being around my friends and working with them."
"Well everyone, especially Phillip will be happy to see you back at the company." Adrien added being honest with her… well maybe not the Philip part.
"That's what I'm going to do." Juleka said with confidence. "Thank you Plagg. I have no way of repaying you for all the great advice that you give me."
"Don't worry about it. That's what friends are for." Adrien replied.
"See you tomorrow at Couffaine Group." Juleka said before hanging up.
Adrien smiled. "Killed three birds with one stone." Chloe and Nathaniel high fived him.
After putting Hugo to sleep Marinette went to the living room and sat on the couch to get lost in her thoughts.
Sabine walked over to her and sat next to her. "Is Hugo already asleep?"
Marinette nodded. "He fell fast asleep…mom I was thinking about going back to the mansion with Hugo."
"I think that's a great idea… but there is something wrong since you came back home you seem distracted." Sabine stated.
Marinette sighs. "Something weird happened to me today."
"What?" Sabine asked concern.
Marinette smiled softly. "I thought that I saw Adrien."
"It probably was someone that looked like him but Adrien is sadly gone and can't come back." Sabine stated.
"I know mom but it just felt so real." Marinette replied. "But I know that it wasn't Adrien. I think I just imagined it because it was at the last restaurant he took me to."
The next morning Adrien went to the office early to try to figure out the coding of the CD but he couldn't figure it out.
Marinette suddenly walked in and Adrien quickly took the CD out before she could see it. "Hey Plagg, what are you doing here so early?"
"I'm just a morning person and I thought I would come early and work on what we need to do today for Miraculous Ladybug." Adrien replied while standing up from Marinette's chair to let her sit down.
Marinette smiled while taking a seat. "You remind me of Adrien, he was the same way."
Philip was working in his office when Juleka walked in. "Surprise!"
Philip faked a smile as he stood up and walked over to her. "Honey this is a surprise. I'm glad that you came to visit me."
"I didn't come to visit you." Juleka said with a bright smile. "I came back to work."
Philip hid his anger and frustration and just looked at her shocked. "What about your health? You can't get stressed, remember what happened last time?"
"Don't worry, I'll do my job in peace and calmly." Juleka replied.
Philip nodded. "I still think that you should rest a little bit longer. Actually you should go on a vacation to relax. To get out of the old routine."
"No dear. I'm serious about working and I'm going to work with you, Marinette and the rest in Miraculous Ladybug." Juleka replied excitedly.
"Great." Philip mumbled with a smile.
Soon after Lila took Juleka to her new office which was as big as Luka's office. "Look, isn't it worthy of the owner of CG?" The room was purple with a window by the door and it had two couches with the desk across from the door.
Juleka looked around surprised. "Wow it was worth the remodeling and waiting. It's so beautiful Lila."
"You have no idea how much I missed you Juleka." Lila said lying through her teeth. "Good thing that you're back and ready to use this office."
Juleka nodded, sitting at her desk. "I can't wait to start working."
"And I can't wait to work with you again." Lila said with a fake smile.
"So how has CG been since my absence?" Juleka asked.
Lila shrugged. "Good."
Marinette was working at her desk when Juleka walked into her office. "Am I interrupting you Mrs. Agreste?"
Marinette immediately looked up and basically squealed as she stood up and went to hug her. "Juleka, what a big surprise I didn't know that you were visiting today."
"I'm not, I came back to work." Juleka said before breaking the hug.
"Really? That's great." Marinette said before sitting at the table as Juleka sat next to her. "We have a lot to catch up on. Tell me how have you been with your health?"
"I'm doing better thank goodness." Juleka replied. "How have you been? I know that it was Adrien's birthday a couple of days ago."
Marinette nodded. "I'm doing alright now. I'm not crying so much of sadness it's more like for happiness remembering the times we had together. Don't get me wrong I still cry of sadness sometimes but not as often as before."
"I'm glad to hear that… I'll be honest that day I wanted to talk to you and the girls but you were all busy with your own things and I didn't want to bother you." Juleka stated.
"Juleka, you know that even if we are busy we'll make time for you." Marinette replied. "What did you want to talk to us about?"
"Oh I was just having more insecurities and worries that Philip might be cheating on me… but you know Plagg and his cousin Chloe helped me a lot." Juleka stated. "He's a great guy."
Marinette nodded. "Yea he helped me with my emotional struggles too. He should have become a psychologist or counselor." The two laughed. "And I have heard good things about his cousin Chloe though I haven't met her yet."
"She's a great person too." Juleka stated. "Just wait until you meet her. She's a great person."
Francisco walked into Philip's office and saw a furious Philip. "Why are you so mad? Did Lila do something again?"
"It's not Lila. The goth is back in the company." Philip replied angrily. "And she decided to stay no matter what."
Francisco laughed. "So you won't just have Lila on your way but the goth too. Good luck conquering Marinette now."
Philip glared at him. "I'm not in the mood for your jokes Francisco."
Juleka was back in her office and soon Adrien walked in. "Hi Juleka I heard that you were already here and I came to greet you. How are you doing?"
"I'm doing good, how are you?" Juleka asked.
"I'm doing well." Adrien sat across from her. "So have your insecurities vanished yet?"
"Not entirely, I still have this weird feeling that Philip is cheating on me." Juleka replied. "And if that's the case I would like to know with whom."
Adrien nodded. "I'm sure you'll be able to clear up everything soon."
Marinette walked into Philip's office. "Philip, I need you to sign these forms." She hands him a folder.
Philip nodded, giving her a charming smile as he took the folder. "Sure thing Marinette."
"Isn't it great that Juleka is back?" Marinette asked while Philip was signing the papers.
"Yes it's amazing." Philip lied. "So are you still planning to move back to the mansion with Hugo?"
Marinette nodded. "Yes the house is basically done, the only thing left is Hugo's room but he can just stay in my room while it's finished."
"I see. if you need help moving anything I can help." Philip replied.
"That's nice of you to offer." Marinette stated.
"Of course, anything for a friend." Philip handed the folder back to Marinette.
Alix walked into the office of Edward, Nino and Alya. "Alya, Luka and Kagami want to see you."
"Alright." Alya stood up and walked out from the office.
Alix walked out behind her and bumped into Adrien who was leaving Juleka's office. "Oh hi Plagg, how are you doing today?"
"I'm doing good." Adrien replied.
"Were you able to contact Mr. Rople yet?" Alix asked.
"Not yet but I'm working on it. Thanks for trying to help me though." Adrien replied.
Alix smiled. "Of course. You know Philip said he might be able to help you contact him. Have you talked to him about it?"
Adrien nodded. "Yes and he's also trying to contact him."
"Well good news I found the address of the agency he works at." Alix hands him a piece of paper.
Adrien took it with a smile. "Thanks so much for the help."
"Here's some work for you dear." Philip puts a huge pile of binders on Juleka's desk.
Juleka looks at the pile confused. "All of this has to do with the Miraculous Ladybug project?"
"No, it's work that I haven't been able to finish yet." Philip replied.
"But I agreed to help Marinette with Miraculous Ladybug alongside Kagami." Juleka stated. "It's the most important project of the company."
Philip chuckles. "It's not urgent plus Marinette already has a whole team working on it. For now just focus on this unfinished business."
Lila suddenly walked into the office and noticed Philip. "Philip, I'm so glad to see you. I have some things to talk to you about."
"Right now I have to go out but for now please help Juleka with this work." Philip started to walk out.
"But Philip -" Lila started but Philip was already gone.
"What do you mean that you have to go out?" Marinette asked Adrien, confused.
"I promise you that it's going to be quick." Adrien replied with a smile. "I have to help Chloe with a family issue. I'll be back as soon as possible."
Marinette nodded with a sigh. "Alright but hurry up, we have a lot of work to do today."
"Thank you." Adrien left the office.
Adrien walked into the agency and went to the receptionist. "Hello I'm looking for a Mr. Roland Rople."
"I'm sorry sir but Mr. Roland Rople hasn't worked here for a while." The receptionist replied.
"That's a shame I was hoping to locate him. By any chance can you give me information about how to locate him?" Adrien asked.
"I'm sorry sir I'm not allowed to give out that kind of information." The receptionist replied.
Stella Starling suddenly walked past and Adrien couldn't believe it since he hasn't seen her for about 10 years… since their breakup. "Stella."
Stella turned to face him with a confused look. "Yes? Do I know you?"
"Um no, at least you don't know me. Though I work in TV entertainment and I have seen you around." Adrien replied. "Hi I'm Plagg Noir I work with Couffaine Group and I came to talk to your boss Roland Rople to see if this agency can send models for a casting to work on an important project."
Stella nodded. "I see well sadly Mr. Rople doesn't work here anymore and the new person in charge isn't here today."
"Alright then I'll come another day." Adrien stated. "By any chance is there any way you can give me information on how to contact Roland Rople? We are old friends and I'll like to see him again even if it's not work related."
Stella looked at the receptionist. "Please give Mr. Noir the information on how to contact Mr. Rople." The receptionist nodded.
"Well I think that we are done." Kagami closed her binder.
"Yes nice job Alya we should be ready for our meeting tomorrow." Luka added.
Alya smiled, closing her binder too. "Thanks, it's my pleasure."
"Now with Juleka back the whole gang is complete again and working will be even more fun." Kagami said with a smile. "Nothing can go wrong with Miraculous Ladybug now."
Adrien walked into Marinette's office. "As promised I came back as soon as possible."
"That's great I already finished my work so you're allowed to leave when you're done with your work." Marinette replied with a smile as she was standing up from her chair.
"Why so early? Are you going to do something with Hugo?" Adrien asked.
"Yes, actually we are moving back to our house so I want to start moving early." Marinette replied with a smile.
"That's great, I'm happy to hear that." Adrien said with a bright smile.
"I want to thank you for all the careness that you have for me and Hugo." Marinette replied.
Adrien nodded. "Of course you two are like my family."
Marinette giggled. "Well I'm off."
"If you want I can help you pack and move anything you need." Adrien offers.
Marinette nodded. "Sure I would love your help."
Adrien helped Marinette move stuff from the bakery to the mansion. It felt great spending time with Marinette but it also felt weird stepping into their house as a stranger.
Adrien looked around and was amazed with how good the remodeling turned out. "Wow, this house looks brand new."
"I know they did a good job with the remodeling." Marinette replied. "Hugo's room is still not finished but it's fine he'll stay with me in the meantime. Speaking of Hugo, I need to go pick him up from school."
Adrien nodded. "I can drive you there."
Marinette shook her head no. "That's nice of you to offer Plagg but I don't want to bother you anymore."
"Don't be ridiculous, it's not a bother I do it with pleasure." Adrien replied.
Marinette smiled. "Okay then I'm sure Hugo will love to see you again."
They went to Hugo's school and they saw Sabine and Tom. They were there to see Hugo for the day since Marinette was going to take him straight to the house.
"It's nice to see you again Plagg." Tom stated while extending his hand.
Adrien shook it. "Likewise sir." Adrien looked over at Sabine. "And you too Mrs. Dupain-Cheng."
Sabine smiled. "Please just call me Sabine." Adrien nodded.
Hugo got out from the gate and ran to Marinette with a bright smile. "Mommy!" Hugo hugs her leg. "What are you doing here, don't you work right now?"
Marinette nodded while bending down to his level. "Yes but I came to pick you up because today we are going back to our house."
"Really? Yay!" Hugo exclaimed happily.
"We came to see you because we won't see you the rest of today. Behave buddy." Tom said while ruffling Hugo's head.
Hugo smiled brightly. "I will grandpa Tom."
Sabine hugged him. "We'll see you tomorrow okay sweetheart?"
Hugo nodded, hugging back. "Okay!"
Adrien smiled softly at the family interaction. He wished that he could be back with his family but as Adrien the son in law, husband, and the dad not Plagg the new family friend.
Hugo suddenly noticed him. "Plagg!" He runs to him and hugs him. "What are you doing here?"
Adrien hugged him with a bright smile. "I was helping your mom prepare the house for your return and I came to see you."
"I'm glad that you came, you're my new friend now!" Hugo replied while breaking the hug.
Adrien's smile never faded. "Of course I am buddy."
Later that night Adrien plopped on his bed with a sigh. "It was great to spend the day with them but I wish that it was as part of the family not just as a family friend."
Nathaniel and Chloe were standing by the bed. "Sadly there's nothing that you can do about it. Until you clear your name anyway." Nathaniel stated.
Adrien sat up. "I need to get my name cleared as soon as possible so I can be Adrien again and bury Plagg Noir."
"Well then let's go to Roland Rople's house tomorrow." Chloe stated.
Adrien nodded. "I need to go to CG first. I left the paper there. It seems like he lives outside of Paris."
The next day Adrien went to the office early in the morning. He grabbed the paper and looked at it. "I hope this leads me somewhere."
Marinette walked in the office. "Hi Plagg, how are you today?"
"I'm doing good. Marinette, do you mind if I go out for a while?" Adrien asked.
Marinette nodded. "Sure but may I ask where you are going?"
"I'm going to see Mr. Rople. I found his contact information and I'll be able to talk to him at last." Adrien replied.
What they didn't know was that Philip heard everything from the other side of the door and he immediately went to his office.
"Alright, just don't take long so we can check the permissions for filming in Lucky Charm beach." Marinette replied.
"Don't worry I'll be back soon." Adrien left the office quickly.
Philip called Francisco over the phone. "Francisco, are you still in the parking lot?... Great, be aware because Noir is about to leave. Follow him and tell me about everything that he does…no don't scare him just follow him." Philip hung up and went to Marinette's office. "Marinette, I wanted to ask you about the report."
Marinette nodded, handing him the report. "Here you go."
Philip took it. "Thank you… so where's Plagg?"
"He went to look for Roland Rople so we can finally do business together." Marinette replied.
"I see… are you sure that you're okay with doing business with him?" Philip asked.
"Yes, again his agency has no fault with what happened." Marinette replied.
Philip slowly nodded. "You really are a kind hearted person."
Marinette smiled. "That's nice of you to say."
Juleka walked in. "Hay Marinette - oh hi honey what are you doing here?"
"I came here for the report but I'm headed out now." Philip replied. "By the way did you finish the work I gave you?"
Juleka nodded. "Yes I finished last night. I'm here to work with Marinette."
"Well, have fun." Philip said before walking out the office.
Juleka looked around. "Where's Plagg?"
"He had to go to see if a modeling agency would work for us in Miraculous Ladybug." Marinette replied. "So it will just be us until he comes back."
Juleka sat across from Marinette. "Sounds good to me."
Chloe looked at the building in front of her in confusion. "Are you sure this is the place? This is a retirement home."
Adrien nodded just as confused. "Yes this is the address from the paper." He walked to the guard at the front door. "Good morning sir we are here to see Mr. Roland Rople." The guard let them in and they talked to the receptionist and soon the nurse walked off to get him. "Roland Rople isn't in the state to be a resident here he must work here."
"So how do you plan to get information from him?" Chloe asked.
"I will just start with small talk and find ways to get information out from him." Adrien replied.
The nurse walked back to them with an elderly man. "This is Mr. Roland Rople."
Chloe and Adrien looked at the man in shock. "By the way you described him I thought he would be younger." Chloe whispered to Adrien.
"This isn't the one who accused me." Adrien whispers back before looking at the man. "Hello sir, I'm Plagg Noir. I work for Couffaine Group, an entertainment production company. By any chance did you work at a modeling agency?"
The man nodded. "Yes but I had to retire a while ago. I can give you the information of the new person in charge if you want."
"That would be nice, thank you." Adrien said with a generous smile.
From afar Francisco who was spying on Adrien the whole time witnessed the whole thing. He was as surprised as Adrien and Chloe to see the elderly man.
Adrien and Chloe soon left the retirement home. "I understand absolutely nothing now." Chloe stated.
"I actually understand a little bit more now." Adrien replied. "It's obvious that it wasn't the real Roland Rople who accused me. The person who accused me of being a witness was a fake. Now it's going to be difficult to prove that the 'witness' was hired to pretend to be this man just to accuse me."
"Not to mention that we still need to find him." Chloe added. "It was a miracle to find the real Roland Rople but to locate a man we don't even know the name of is going to be almost impossible."
Adrien sighs. "I know and I thought I was close to clearing my name."
Francisco called Philip while still spying on Adrien from afar. "Philip it turns out the Roland Rople Plagg was looking for isn't the same as who accused Adrien as a witness."
"So there are two Roland Roples?" Philip asked, confused.
"Well the one Plagg was looking for is old." Francisco stated.
"But the Roland Rople that came here was young." Philip replied.
"I'm just telling you what I found out." Francisco stated.
"Alright come back." Philip hung the phone then called Stella. "Stella, it's Philip."
"What do you want, Philip?" Stella asked.
"It's urgent that we meet up." Philip stated.
"When and where?" Stella asked.
"That's what I planned." Stella told Philip as they were eating lunch later that day. "If I didn't tell you sooner it's because it happened suddenly and it did not matter in the end. The important part was for someone to accuse Adrien as a witness."
"That's why you made your friend pretend to be an ex employee of your modeling agency." Philip concluded with a smirk. "Nice thinking Stella."
"I thought it would be for the best so no one suspected anything." Stella added.
"So Plagg isn't a problem after all." Philip mumbled.
"What was that?" Stella asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing, I was just thinking out loud. Let's get the bill." Stella nodded.
"This shows how and when the first phase of the partnership between Lucky Charm beach and us and where the second phase should start." Marinette told Juleka while gesturing what was on Juleka's computer.
Juleka nodded with a bright smile. "Congrats on your professionalism and on the passion that you have on this project."
Marinette smiled back. "Thanks I have been working on this for years and I love doing this. Like you said, it's my passion."
Juleka stood up. "Marinette I can't imagine anyone else doing this project than you. I as well as the rest of your team will make sure that your dream comes true. This project will be a great success."
Marinette hugged her. "Thanks Juleka I appreciate it… if only Adrien was here to see this."
Juleka hugged back. "He is here in our hearts and I'm sure that he's so proud of you."
A tear fell down Marinette's cheek. "I hope so. I just hope that I'm doing a great job as a single mother."
Juleka broke the hug. "You're doing an excellent job as a single mother. I admire single mothers like you that work while still taking care of their children with love. I wish that I had kids."
Marinette held both of her hands. "You'll experience that miracle someday Juleka. I just know it and trust me when you do you'll feel a love that can't be explained."
Juleka nodded with a bright smile. "I can't wait for that day to happen."
"For now the love both of you and Philip have for each other should be enough." Marinette stated.
Juleka nodded. "Yes and I love Philip with all of my heart just as much as he loves me. Even with my faults."
"Don't say that Juleka. I know that Philip loves you with all his heart because of who you are." Marinette stated.
"I appreciate your words Marinette." Juleka hugged her again.
Lila suddenly walked into the office. "Jul-sorry I didn't know that you had company."
Juleka broke the hug with Marinette and gestured to Lila to walk closer. "Come in Lila, Marinette was just showing me the advantages of the partnership between Lucky Charm beach and CG. Her work is amazing."
"Of course let's not forget that she has a lot of employees working for her." Lila said faking a smile.
"Yes of course I have to thank Edward, Nino, Alya, Kagami and Juleka for their hard work." Marinette stated with a teasing smile. "The credit shouldn't be all mine."
"Behind a great boss comes great employees." Juleka added. "But it's the boss that makes sure everything goes well."
Marinette nodded. "That's true."
Lila rolled her eyes irritated without the two women noticing. "Anyway I came because I found this portrait and I thought about you Juleka." Lila flipped the portrait so Juleka and Marinette could see the image of a fearful tiger. "Isn't it a beauty?" The portrait was of Lila's way to mock Juleka. "It will look great in this office."
Juleka gave an uncomfortable smile. "Thanks Lila… put it to the side."
"No, let's hang it up." Lila hang the portrait on the wall across from Juleka's desk.
Marinette noticed that Juleka was uncomfortable and so she gave Lila a death glare. Lila just shrugged it off with a smile before leaving the office.
Juleka cleared her throat. "So… Marinette, when will we be able to see advantages for the second phase?"
"If everything goes well then soon." Marinette replied, wanting the awkwardness to go away.
"Would you like me to take you home, Marinette?" Adrien asked that night as they were packing up to leave the office.
"That's sweet of you to offer Plagg but I don't want to bother you again." Marinette replied while grabbing her purse.
"It's not a bother plus your house is on my way to the rental home." Adrien replied closing his briefcase.
Marinette hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Well in that case let me invite you to my house for dinner. My parents will be there and the whole team too and the more the merrier."
Adrien was overjoyed to be able to have dinner with his family and friends again. "It will be my honor to join you for dinner."
"Then let's go." Marinette walked out of the office and Adrien followed behind her.
When they arrived to the house Hugo ran to Marinette with a bright smile. "Mommy!"
Marinette picked him up. "Hi dear how was your day?"
"It was great!" Hugo noticed Adrien. "Hi Plagg are you here for the dinner party too?"
Adrien nodded. "Yes I am." Marinette's parents were already there and Adrien was about to greet them when the doorbell rang. "I'll get that." Adrien strolled to the front door and opened it to be face to face with Philip.
The two stared at each other for a moment before Philip smiled almost evilly. "Good evening Plagg may I come in?"