Lila walked over to them. "Nice to see you Philip."
"Lila, what a surprise I didn't expect to see you in this house so soon." Philip stated.
"We came in the same car since Lila left hers here." Juleka replied.
"So how did you two enjoy Lucky Charm beach isn't it beautiful?" Philip asked with sarcasm but only Lila noticed.
Juleka nodded. "It was breathtaking. I can't wait to go there again."
"Well I should go back to the office. I have a lot of work to do." Philip said about to leave the house.
"Dear, Lila should go right behind you so she can arrive at the same time as you." Juleka stated.
Philip nodded. "Sure it will be my pleasure."
Hugo Keven and Mayla ran in the bakery as Marinette and Alya walked in from behind them. "Woah slow down you three." Sabine said with a soft smile.
"Hi Mrs. Dupain-Cheng and Mr. Dupain, how are you doing?" Alya asked with a smile.
"We're doing good, how about you?" Tom asked as he was giving a customer their order.
"I'm doing well, thank you for asking." Alya replied.
"Grandma Sabine grandpa Tom, can Kevin and Mayla stay to play please?" Hugo asked with pleading eyes.
Tom chuckled. "That's fine with me."
"They can stay if your mothers allow it." Sabine replied.
The three kids looked at Marinette and Alya with pleading eyes. "Please?"
"I'm okay with it if you are Alya." Marinette stated.
Alya nodded. "Of course I am. Nino and I can come pick them up after work."
"YAY!" The three kids exclaimed before running upstairs to play.
"Will you be able to handle them mom?" Marinette asked playfully.
Sabine smiled. "Of course I can."
"Well we should go back to work." Alya stated.
"Don't worry about the kids, they are safe here with us." Tom said with an encouraging smile. The two women nodded before leaving the bakery.
Philip was in his office working when Lila walked in and closed the door behind her. "Philip, buy me a car."
Philip looked at Lila in shock. "What? you're kidding right?"
Lila smirked as she walked closer to him. "Why would I be kidding about something so serious and expensive? C'mon baby buy me a new car. A gift like that would put me in a good mood and shut me up about certain things."
"Do you think that I'm a money making machine?" Philip asked sarcastically. "Well I'm not. Every cent I have is by dealing with the Couffaine family."
"Well I deserve a car for dealing with you." Lila remarked back. "If you want, don't buy me a car but that means that I'll go straight to the goth's office to tell her everything."
Philip glared at her. "You're a dirty manipulator."
"Yes I'm a manipulator but not dirty. I leave that to the street rats." Lila replied with a smirk.
"You have no idea how hard it was to be sleeping under the same roof as Marinette." Adrien told Chloe and Nathaniel as they were all eating at a restaurant. "I was dying to kiss her and to hold her in my arms."
"I'm telling you that I'm having a bad feeling about this." Chloe stated. "One day you'll lose control and ruin everything."
"No, I'm not going to do that." Adrien replied sternly. "But you need to understand how difficult it is for me to act as if she's my friend when we have been married for years and together even longer than that."
"I can imagine how hard that might be but think about everything you'll gain in the long run." Nathaniel stated.
Adrien nodded. "I am and that's what keeps motivating me to continue being Plagg Noir. I'm not doing this for me, I'm doing this for her and Hugo."
"Let's hope that this doesn't last long and you'll be able to be with them as soon as possible." Chloe said with an encouraging smile.
"Though honestly this seems like it's going to take a while." Nathaniel added.
Adrien sighs. "It has to be soon because I can't take the risk for Marinette to fall in love with another man, especially not Philip. If that happens then I'll have no choice but to stay as Plagg for the rest of my life."
Gabriel walked into the living room to see Emilie sitting on the couch looking at a picture of Adrien. "Emilie, I don't plan to go back to the studio today. If you want we can go out and do something fun like watch a movie, go to the theater or wherever sounds fun to you right now."
Emilie looked at him with sad eyes. "Thanks Gabriel but I'm not in the mood to go out tonight."
Gabriel sighs before sitting next to her. "Are you okay sweetheart? It seems like the more time passes the more sad you become."
Emilie nodded. "I guess the realization of his death is hitting me more now than in the beginning."
"I understand how you feel Emilie. I'm feeling a similar way but we need to accept the truth." Gabriel replied. "If you want we can go to his grave and put flowers on it."
Emilie shook her head. "No, that would be more painful… At least not now."
Gabriel nodded. "Alright."
"Though can you take me to Couffaine Group? It might make me feel better seeing everyone that cared about him." Emilie stated. "Maybe tomorrow?"
"Goodnight Plagg!" Hugo said to Adrien that night as Marinette was carrying him up the stairs.
Adrien chuckled. "Goodnight buddy sweet dreams."
"I'll be right back, Plagg." Marinette stated before disappearing on the second floor.
"Alright." Adrien replied as he sat down on the couch. He saw a family picture on the coffee table and he smiled as he picked it up.
Adrien wished everything could go back as before. This picture was taken a year ago and with the three of them smiling brightly it is hard to believe how their lives are now. Adrien didn't realize he was staring at the picture for a long time until he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"It's a nice picture isn't it?" Marinette asked with a soft smile.
Adrien nodded, putting the picture back on the coffee table. "Yes it is. I'm sorry if I was intruding on your personal stuff."
Marinette laughed lightly as she sat down next to him. "Don't be silly, you're not intruding if the picture is on the coffee table for display."
Adrien nodded. "You guys seemed really happy in the picture."
"We were…. It's hard to believe how everything changed in about a year." Marinette replied as she slowly frowned. "Though he would want us to still be happy now."
"It might be a hard process but I think that you're doing a good job achieving that." Adrien stated.
"Thanks Plagg." Marinette replied.
Adrien nodded. "Of course now we should go to bed too. We have another long day at work tomorrow."
The next day Alya and Nino were in Luka's office working with Luka and Kagami. "This is an excellent report Alya."
Alya smiled. "Thanks Luka, I appreciate it."
"We should have made you co-director a long time ago." Kagami added.
Alya laughed softly. "Well thanks for the trust and support you guys have given me."
"I always knew that Alya was right for this job and you're right Kagami we should have made her co-director a long time ago." Nino stated with a proud smile.
Luka nodded. "Well I have something important to tell you, Alya."
"Yes? What is it?" Alya asked.
"I want you to finish what you started. I want you to get your degree as soon as possible." Luka replied.
"Don't worry about the costs CG will pay for everything." Kagami added.
Alya looked at them in shock. "You guys really want that?"
"You owe it to yourself Alya." Luka stated.
"Honey, that's amazing!" Nino said excitedly.
The elevator doors opened to the second floor as Marinette and Adrien walked out. They saw Juleka with Philip so they walked over to them. "Juleka tell us how your trip to Lucky Charm beach went?"
"How about we wait until the meeting to talk about that?" Juleka suggested with a bright smile.
"Perfect dear, something formal and not in the hallway." Philip stated. "Call me when it starts and I'll see you there."
"Sure thing dear." Juleka stated before Philip left for his office.
"Juleka, do you know if Philip brought the financial analysis of the money that was stolen?" Marinette asked curiously.
"I don't think he brought them but I'll double check and if he didn't I'll make sure to bring them tomorrow myself." Juleka replied.
Marinette nodded. "Alright thanks."
"Sure thing I'll let you two know about the meeting after I talk with Luka." Juleka stated before walking away.
"Why so interested in those financial analyses?" Adrien asked, confused.
"If those analysts are real I want to see them." Marinette replied and Adrien nodded with a knowing smile.
"Nino I would love to get my degree but I don't think I could handle studying, working and taking care of the kids all at once." Alya told Nino as they were walking back to their office.
"Don't worry Alya, I'll help you as much as I can both at work and with the kids." Nino replied while wrapping an arm around her.
Alya smiled softly. "Thanks Nino I don't know what I would do without you. Thanks for your support and help."
"That's what husbands are for to be there for their wife." Nino replied. "I'll always be there for you and the kids."
Alya nodded. "I know. I'll go make copies of the report for the meeting and I'll see you in the meeting room."
Alya walked away to the copy room as Edward walked over to Nino. "Hay how did it go with Luka?"
Nino smiled. "Great as always, Alya did an amazing job on the report. Plus Luka wants Alya to get her degree and the company will pay for her studies."
"Really? That's great news." Edward replied. "Anyway I was informed that the meeting is about to start."
Nino nodded and walked to the meeting room with Edward.
"As you can see we are closing up the first phase of the project and thanks to the hard work of the team we were able to achieve all of our goals." Marinette told everyone at the meeting.
"Thank you Marinette. We still have a lot of work ahead of us but we are at a great start." Luka said with a smile.
"As you know Lila and I went to Lucky Charm beach recently and everything there was amazing." Juleka stated. "The food there was to die for, the view was beautiful and the attention was great. Filming there will be amazing. As the contact states the people there really trust you Marinette so we'll heavily depend on your relationship with them."
Marinette smiled. "Don't worry Juleka, I won't let CG or the people of Lucky Charm beach down since I know how much both parties count on me."
"The work of Marinette is excellent, however we can't forget that many people of Lucky Charm beach have contacted me to inform me that they are also willing to work with Juleka after her visit there." Adrien added.
Juleka smiled softly. "You guys don't know how happy I am working with a team like this."
"I am also happy with our achievements, however Marinette I'm worried that the people of Lucky Charm beach get difficult with some things like filming rights for example." Philip stated.
"It shouldn't be a problem if we keep following the agreements we made with them based on the contract." Marinette replied.
Philip nodded. "Of course but just to be safe we should avoid that those people don't have any involvement with the project after the permissions are made."
"Philip is right, they aren't professionals so we shouldn't count only on their word." Lila added.
"Of course this is only an observation and I'm only making it because there's a lot of money we're dealing with and CG is risking it, not the people of Lucky Charm beach." Philip concluded.
"I'm convinced that every party is doing their part so this works in the best way possible." Marinette stated. "What I do know is that to start the next phase a major capital is needed and that's up to you guys to decide."
"That's up to you to decide Luka." Philip replied. "Let me just remind you that our financial statements show that we are missing the huge amount of money that Adrien stole from us."
"Right now our main focus is the Miraculous Ladybug project, Philip. I'm not willing to talk about what Adrien did to this company If he even did it." Luka responded.
"It's not like I want to talk about it, Luka but it's no secret that the fraud Adrien did affected CG's economy." Philip replied.
"For that same reason Philip there's no need to mention it." Luka stated. "We'll talk about our financial crisis at a later time and in private. If there's no more points to talk about this meeting is now ov-"
"Actually Luka I do have one other issue to mention." Lila stated. "It's almost time for our monthly get-together for the company. It was canceled last month because of Adrien's death so if you allow me I'd like to organize it again for this month."
"Organize it. I have nothing against it." Luka replied. "Now the meeting is over so back to work everyone."
Everyone got up and left the room. Marinette walked over to Juleka. "Juleka I know that Luka doesn't want to bring up the topic and I do feel bad about bringing it up but what exactly happened with the fraud that Adrien is being accused of. The evidence Philip brought that day didn't make sense to me."
"I don't know anything more than what you already know Marinette." Juleka replied. "Luka and Philip like to keep that private. Though don't worry Marinette Luka doesn't even think that Adrien actually did it."
Adrien coughed lightly as he walked over to them. "I never met Adrien but from what I know there's no concrete evidence against him and since he's not here to defend himself I guess we'll never know the truth."
The two women nodded in agreement.
"I think that it's about time that I have fun with my friends again. It's been a while since I have been able to because of my sickness." Juleka told Adrien as she sat on her chair and Adrien sat across from her. "Plus I think we all need a break after what happened the last few weeks."
Adrien smiled at her. "I like hearing you talk with such a positive attitude."
"Thanks Plagg now I should do a formal report about my visit to Lucky Charm beach." Juleka said as she turned on her computer.
"By the way do you know where all the money that was stolen went?" Adrien asked curiously.
"Not really but what I do know is that we aren't able to recover that money because it's legally blocked." Juleka replied.
"Blocked? But where?" Adrien asked.
"I don't know. Who does knows about that is Luka and Philip." Juleka replied. "Even though there's evidence against Adrien Agreste almost no one here believes that it was him."
The elevator doors to the second floor opened and the Agreste walked to Luka's office just missing Adrien who was walking out from Juleka's office.
"I swear Luka everytime I see you it seems like you grow taller. That or I'm shrinking." Emilie said playfully.
Luka chuckles. "Maybe it's both."
Emilie smiled before greeting Kagami with a hug. "How are you doing Kagami?"
"I'm doing good Emilie, how about you?" Kagami asked before breaking the hug.
"Well I have no complaints." Emilie replied.
"So what brings you two here?" Luka asked.
"We came for a visit since we haven't seen each other in a while… especially after Adrien died." Emilie said sadly.
Luka nodded. "You're right it's not fair how about we all do something together? Like going out to dinner at the movies or theater?"
"I like the idea that we need to spend more time together." Kagami added.
"That's fine with me." Gabriel stated.
"Oh how rude of us to not offer you anything to drink. Would you like anything to drink?" Kagami asked.
"No thanks. I was wondering if you would allow me to go around the company and greet everyone. I haven't seen most of them in so long except for Marinette." Emilie stated.
"Of course you can, Emilie." Luka replied with a smile.
Emilie returned the smile. "Thank you."
"What's wrong Marinette?" Alya asked as she walked into Marinette's office to see her looking sad.
"No one wants to give me information about the fraud Adrien supposedly did and it's frustrating me." Marinette replied. "I know he didn't do it but I can't prove it without the right information… The worst part is that his dad actually thinks he did it."
"Don't worry the truth always comes out." Alya stated with an encouraging smile.
"Luka I know there's still many many years before this happens but what do you plan to do when it's time for you to retire?" Philip asked Luka after the Agreste left with Kagami to explore the company. "Do you plan to retire or continue working in the company?"
"I was thinking about retiring earlier than expected." Luka replied.
Philip pretended to be worried. "Why do you say that? Are you sick or? -"
"No it's nothing like that. Life just goes way too fast and it's unexpected too. I want to have time to enjoy my life with my family, especially now that Kagami and I are trying to have children." Luka stated. "Adrien's death is a prime example of what I'm talking about. I remember when I offered him to be a co-owner of this company."
"Well I could help you with that." Philip replied.
Luka nodded. "If everything goes well with the Miraculous Ladybug project then I'll make you Co owner of the company."
"Of course, whenever you decide it's best." Philip stated.
"I'm done." Hugo said proudly after finishing his meal.
Marinette decided to have lunch with him and her parents that day and she smiled at him. "That's great. Guess what our monthly trip with CG is soon but with your dad gone… I was wondering if you still wanted to go."
Hugo nodded. "Yes mommy I still want to go. I want to be with my aunts and uncles and my friends."
"I'm sure that you two will have a lot of fun." Tom said with a smile.
Sabine nodded. "Yes and a good time to spend time with each other."
"Where are we going this time mommy?" Hugo asked.
Marinette shrugged. "I'm not sure sweetheart."
Adrien took the opportunity that Marinette wasn't at the office to call the national bank. "Hello?" A female voice came from the other line.
"Hello I'm Plagg Noir and I'm Mr. Gabriel Agreste's assistant calling in his name to see if any information can be given about the money his son Adrien Agreste took from the company Couffaine Group." Adrien said, holding in a deep breath.
"I'm sorry but that information is confidential and I can't give it away." The woman on the other saw replied.
"Yes I'm aware that I just want to know if it's true that Adrien Agreste committed a fraud against the Couffaine Group with that 3 million errors." Adrien stated. "To transfer it to the United States."
"Look, that was the intention of Mr. Agreste, nevertheless we never received it. The money never arrived at its destination." The woman replied.
Adrien was shocked to hear that. "So let me get this straight Adrien Agreste was supposed to transfer 3 million errors to his bank account in the United States yet the money never arrived?"
"Yes and now the situation is legally blocked." The woman replied.
"Well thank you for your time, have a nice day." Adrien hangs up. "What's going on this becomes more complicated by the second."
Emilie and Gabriel were walking with Kagami down the hallway. Alya saw them and she walked over to them. "Mrs and Mr. Agreste, what a wonderful surprise."
Alya hugged Emilie and she returned the hug. "Alya, we told you so many times to call us by our first name."
Kagami smiled. "Alya is more formal than Nino."
Alya nodded as she broke the hug. "Right sorry, I guess it's just a force of habit so what brings you here today?"
"We came for a visit since Emilie-I mean we wanted to see everyone. The last time wasn't so pleasant because it was at Adrien's funeral." Gabriel replied.
"I was actually taking them to see Marinette." Kagami stated.
"Oh well Marinette isn't here right now. She went to have lunch with Hugo and her parents but she should be back soon." Alya replied.
"Oh well we have to go now and with Marinette it's easier to see more often." Gabriel stated.
"Though we plan to come more often to visit all of you again." Emilie added.
Alya nodded. "Yes of course we'll be happy to see you again."
"The situation gets weirder and more complicated by the second." Adrien told Nathaniel over the phone.
"Yes I agree this is such a mystery." Nathaniel stated.
"The 3 million errors disappeared and never arrived at the destination so obviously Philip has them because who else would it be." Adrien replied.
"In that case that safe needs to be opened ASAP." Nathaniel stated.
"How am I supposed to open the safe if I don't even know the code?" Adrien asked sarcastically.
"Don't worry I'll find someone that can help with that." Nathaniel replied. "Though it won't be easy."
"Well I'll be grateful to you if you do find someone." Adrien stated.
"Even after everything I did for them Luka still doesn't want me to be a co-owner of the company." Philip frustrately told Francisco as they were having lunch.
"You still want more even though you have the money you stole from the company with the fake fraud of Adrien Agreste?" Francisco asked, confused.
"That money is locked in a safe place and I can't touch it… At least for now." Philip replied. "By the way what happened to the present I asked you to get for Lila?"
Francisco smirked. "It should be arriving at her place right about now."
Juleka walked into Marinette's office and saw Adrien. "Hey Plagg."
Adrien smiled. "Hi Juleka I didn't expect to see you here. I heard Philip went out for lunch and I thought you went with him."
Juleka sat across from him at the table. "I still had a lot of work to do and that helps me to be less dependent on him too. So are you ready for our trip this weekend?"
Adrien nodded. "Yes I heard that it's going to be at Lucky Charm beach."
Juleka smiled. "Yes I was able to convince Luka to tell Lila to organize everything there." Juleka replied. "I thought that it would be a good idea since we'll be working together."
"I agree with you plus we all need a break from work." Adrien replied.
"I don't like the new attitude of the goth." Philip told Francisco. "She commends herself and that can be dangerous."
Francisco nodded. "Yes, it's very dangerous. Since we're on the topic of women, how are you doing with Marinette?"
"I'm desperately waiting for the get together weekend to arrive." Philip replied. "Especially now that Plagg is living with her."
"Why?" Francisco asked, confused.
Philip smirked. "To see her in a bikini."
"Well how do you plan to get near her if Lila and Juleka will be there too?" Francisco asked.
"I have a small house on the way to Lucky Charm beach and I plan to offer it to Marinette." Philip replied before his phone rang and he answered. "Hello?"
"Philip, thank you for my little gift, it's amazing!" Lila exclaimed from the other line.
"Little gift? You mean a big gift." Philip stated.
"Okay fine it's a big gift. I love my new car and I thought to thank you. I'll be waiting for you at my house tonight." Lila replied.
Philip rolled his eyes. "I would love to but I can't tonight."
Lila sighed. "Okay fine I forgive you just this one time because you gave me a new car but I expect your attention during the trip."
"We'll see but remember the other times the goth wouldn't go but now she will go." Philip replied.
"That's your problem to figure out how to get rid of the goth." Lila stated.
"I have a better idea but I'll tell you about it later." Philip replied, smirking.
"I love it when you get mysterious." Lila stated.
That evening Alya and Nino were walking out when Rose went over to them. "Hey are you two going to the get together this weekend?"
Nino nodded. "I plan to go."
"I'm not I want to start finishing my degree." Alya replied.
"How about you Rose, are you and Max going?" Nino asked. "It would be nice to see him again."
"I'm going for sure and Max wants to go but he has a lot of work to do so it's unsure if he's going." Rose replied.
"So what's your plan for this weekend?" Lila asked Philip once they were in his office.
"For us to enjoy the weekend together you need to not go on the trip." Philip stated.
"Why? I already had everything planned for us in your little house." Lila replied.
Philip smirked. "I'll make up an excuse to not go and I'll stay here with you."
"Great idea let the goth go to that terrible place while I get to have you all to myself this weekend." Lila replied before leaving the office.
Once Lila left Philip took out a picture of Marinette. "Marinette, you won't be able to resist me this time."
Adrien walked into Luka's office holding a folder. "Luka, I need you to sign some papers for Marinette."
Luka nodded with a sad experience before taking the folder and started to sign the papers. "Plagg, do you think it's ridiculous for a guy at my age to dream of becoming a dad someday?"
"Of course not, you're still in your 20s Luka and I know plenty of men way older than you lucky enough to become a dad." Adrien replied. "I know that someday that miracle will come to your life and I know for a fact that becoming a dad is the best thing ever."
Luka raised an eyebrow. "How do you know that for a fact? Do you have children of your own?"
"Huh oh no… I'm just saying based on what I have seen and heard from others." Adrien replied, holding back a nervous smile.
Luka nodded, handing the folder back to Adrien. "Thank you Plagg for your words."
"Of course." With that Adrien left the office.
"Yes I'm excited to go, especially with Hugo." Marinette told Philip who went to talk to her. "And he's excited to go too. I bet you're excited to spend time with Juleka right?"
Philip nodded with a fake smile. "Yes I'm excited to spend time with Juleka especially now that she has been acting so distant with me."
"Well it's a perfect opportunity to talk and fix your differences." Marinette replied with a smile. "It's clear that your marriage is for the rest of your life."
Philip held that fake smile. "Yes, for the rest of my life."
That evening Adrien was packing for the trip the next day when Marinette walked into his room. "Well I have everything packed, what about you Plagg?"
Adrien nodded as he closed his suitcase. "I just finished. Does Hugo have his things ready too?"
"Yes I helped him pack before putting him to bed." Marinette replied. "He's so excited this trip has always been his favorite. He's even more excited because it's at Lucky Charm beach."
"I have heard so much about that place. I'm excited to finally see it." Adrien said, playing along with his act.
Marinette's eyes lit up. "Oh you're going to love it, Plagg the place is stunning and the community is amazing."
Adrien smiled. "I bet it is. Well we should go to bed now. Tomorrow is a big day."
Marinette nodded. "You're right, have a good night Plagg."
"You too Marinette." Adrien said before Marinette left his room.
The next day Philip pretended to be sick and Juleka was worried about him. "Philip, I can't leave you like this, I should just stay and take care of you."
"No Juleka go have fun I'll be fine." Philip replied.
"I just feel bad leaving you like this." Juleka said sadly. "What if your fever gets worse?"
"In that case I'll go to the doctor." Philip replied. "Go to the get together and enjoy it to the max. Everyone is expecting you to go. It's the first time you go in years."
Juleka sighs. "Alright but I'll get mad if you get worse and don't let me know. Luckily Charm beach is close and it will be easy to come back soon. I'll have my phone with me all the time."
"Don't worry." Philip replied and Juleka was about to kiss his cheek but he stopped her. "You can't kiss me, I'm sick."
Juleka nodded. "Right, I'll call you when I get there. Love you."
"Love you too." Philip replied before Juleka left the room. Once she was gone Philip quickly got up from bed. He called Lila. "Lila change of plans, the goth is staying so meet me at my little house."
"I like that idea, I'll see you there." Lila stated.
"See you soon." Philip hung up and smirked.
At Lucky Charm beach Adrien was walking around greeting everyone when he saw Juleka sitting on a beach chair by the pool so he went over to her and sat on the chair next to hers. "Hi Juleka, how are you doing?"
"Hi Plagg, I'm doing alright, how about you?" Juleka asked with a smile.
"I'm doing good." Adrien replied.
"Where is Marinette?" Juleka asked.
"Oh she's still unpacking with Hugo." Adrien replied.
Juleka nodded. "You know Plagg, I was thinking about giving you a copy of my house keys."
Adrien was surprised to hear that. "Really? What for?"
Juleka shrugged. "Just in case something comes up. All the girls have one and I consider you one of my best friends."
"I'm honored but are you sure it's not so I'll stop you from taking too many pills again?" Adrien asked playfully.
Juleka laughed softly. "Of course not but just in case something comes up at the last minute. I'll give them to you later."
Adrien nodded. "By the way, where's Philip? I haven't seen him around."
"Oh he stayed home since he was feeling sick." Juleka replied. "I wanted to stay with him but he insisted that I came."
"I see." Adrien had the strong feeling that Philip was up to something.
"Plagg!" Hugo ran up to them as Marinette was walking behind him. "Hi aunt Juleka!" He hugged her tightly.
Juleka hugged back with a smile. "Hi Hugo, how are you doing?"
"Good." Hugo broke the hug and looked around. "Where's uncle Philip?"
"Oh he wasn't feeling well so he decided to stay home." Juleka replied.
Hugo nodded before looking at Marinette. "Mommy, can I play with Kevin, Mayla, and the other kids."
"Yes but be careful from getting too close to the pool and stay where I can see you." Marinette said, sitting down on the chair that was on the other side of Juleka before Hugo nodded and ran off to play. "It's a shame that Philip couldn't come. He was looking forward to spending time with you, especially since he feels that you're acting distant."
Juleka looked at her confused. "Distant? I haven't been acting distant at least that I know of."
"That's what I thought. It must be a misunderstanding." Marinette replied.
"That must be it once I go back home I'll clear everything up with him." Juleka stated.
Adrien smiled. "That's the best thing to do."
"Hey Nino, remember when Adrien you and I had so much fun during these trips?" Edward asked Nino who was having breakfast with him and Roxie.
Nino nodded. "Yea I remember those were the good times."
"You guys act like it has been years since that happened." Roxie stated sadly.
"No it hasn't been years but it sure does feel like it honey." Edward said sadly.
At that moment Adrien walked over to them. "Hey guys, what are you talking about?"
"About how much fun we would have during these trips with Adrien." Edward replied.
"Now it doesn't feel the same." Nino added.
"Cheer up, I'm sure Adrien wouldn't want you two to be sad right now." Adrien said with an encouraging smile and the two men nodded.
"Would you like to have breakfast with us Plagg?" Roxie asked.
"That's nice of you to offer Roxie but no thanks. I was actually hanging out with Juleka and Marinette when I realized that I forgot my phone in my room so I'm heading there now." Adrien replied. "I'll see you guys later."
The three waved bye as Adrien started to walk away.
Lila was at Philip's little house waiting for him but as the hours went by she was losing her patience. "It's taking you forever Philip." Lila suddenly thought of something and she quickly stood up furious. "That three timing Jerk." She stormed out of the house with her suitcase.
She called Philip and he answered as he was packing a suitcase. "Hey babe how are you?"
"I'm missing you so much that I'm heading back to Paris." Lila replied.
Philip immediately stopped packing. "No, don't be crazy, I'm heading there now. I know that I'm running a little late but don't leave."
"Well if you're on your way then we might cross paths since I'm already on my way." Lila replied before hanging up.
Philip groans in frustration. "She's going to ruin my plan."
"Plagg is taking a long time don't you think?" Marinette asked Juleka as they were still sitting by the pool.
"Yea I'm going to see what's holding him up." Juleka said as she stood up and Marinette nodded.
Juleka walked over to Luka and Kagami who were at the other side of the pool. "Have you guys seen Plagg?"
"No I haven't." Luka replied.
"I saw him talking to Edward Roxie and Nino at the restaurant of the hotel and I heard that he was heading to his room for his phone." Kagami stated.
Juleka nodded. "Yea he was but that was a while ago…"
Adrien was in his room talking to Nathaniel over the phone with his disguise off not realizing that his door was slightly opened. "No Nathaniel I haven't been able to get new information. I was hoping to get something out from Philip in a subtle way but he didn't come."
"Do you really think that he's sick?" Nathaniel asked.
"Maybe but I really doubt it." Adrien replied. "I have a strong feeling that he's planning something."
"Well maybe you'll find new information in a different way." Nathaniel suggested.
"Maybe well I'll talk to you later bye." Adrien hangs up.
At that moment Juleka walked into the room. "Plagg -" She froze in her tracks when she saw who was in front of her. "A-Adrien?" Adrien's heart started to beat fast as he quickly stood up from his bed and just stared at her in fear of her reaction. "I-I can't believe it….. Adrien you're alive."
"Juleka let me explain." Adrien said softly.
"So everything was a lie…. But how? A body was found in the car with your belongings." Juleka was still in shock.
"I don't know who that person was." Adrien replied. "After the car fell I somehow got out but fell unconscious for a while then I woke up and got up but I was so weak that I fell down again behind a big rock. I suddenly heard an explosion, then two homeless men found me and took me to their shelter. An elderly man named Fu cued me. When I went to look for Marinette I saw in the news that I supposedly died and I thought I would take the opportunity to clear my name since the police weren't looking for me anymore… But I couldn't do it as Adrien Agreste."
"So Plagg isn't real… You tricked me… YouYou tricked all of us, even Marinette." Juleka said now in tears.
"I had no choice… I didn't want to put her in danger." Adrien replied looking down. "When I found out that she was looking for an assistant, I thought it would be a great opportunity to find evidence of my innocence. With the help of my new friends Chloe and Nathaniel I created Plagg Noir."
"Chloe isn't your cousin… How did they find out about you?" Juleka asked.
Adrien sighs. "I went to their rental home for a place to stay…. Chloe is a big fan of my mom so when she saw the news that her son died she immediately recognized me… I had to tell her everything… She can't keep anything from Nathaniel so we told him…since then they have been trying to clear my name too. Chloe pretending to be my cousin."
Juleka sat down on the bed. "Adrien… Was EVERYTHING of Plagg Noir a lie?"
"Everything except my personality." Adrien replied.
Juleka nodded. "Your personality and his were basically the same. Look I can understand why you're hiding but Marinette deserves to know the truth. You've been living with her and Hugo for crying out loud."
"I have tried but there were people around her or I chicken out in fear of involving her with this." Adrien replied.
"Well I advise you to tell her soon because as her best friend I can't keep this from her." Juleka stated. "Look I believe that you didn't commit the crime but did you find any evidence of that?"
"Not concrete evidence but I have a strong suspension of who framed me." Adrien replied.
"Who?" Juleka asked.
Adrien sighs. "I'm sorry Juleka but I have my reasons to suspect that it was Philip."
Juleka stood up furious. "That's ridiculous Adrien."
"Everything directs to him. He put a trap on me and think about what he won with my 'death' Juleka." Adrien replied. "It couldn't be anyone else."
Juleka shook her head. "Philip couldn't be capable of doing something like that."
"He's capable of that and so much more." Adrien replied not wanting to mention the moves Philip made on Marinette. "That's why it's urgent for me to go to your house to open your safe. I'm sure that all the evidence that it was him is in there."
"If that was true then Philip would be a monster…and he isn't." Juleka said sadly.
"I know that you love him Juleka but if he was capable of doing all of this for money then you and Luka could be in danger." Adrien replied.
Juleka sighs. "Not Philip…"
"The only way to be sure is if you help me get the evidence." Adrien stated. "We can figure this out together. You're a noble woman and a woman of justice, you can help me."
"I need to be alone to think about all of this… If anyone asks for me, tell them I felt ill and went to rest for a while." With that Juleka left the room.
Philip put his suitcase in his car hoping that he could leave before Lila got there but it was too late as Lila drove up to the house and got out. "Lila I was about to leave Juleka decided to go on the trip after all. She left a while ago and I was heading there now."
"So the goth isn't home?" Lila asked with a smirk. "Perfect. You're not going anywhere." She dragged Philip back into the house.
"She saw me without my disguise." Adrien told Chloe over the phone.
"I'm surprised that she didn't fant from the shock of seeing you." Chloe stated.
"I know I would never wish for her or anyone for that matter to find out like that." Adrien replied. "I just hope she decides to help and not tell anyone."
Adrien walked over to Marinette who was now talking to Luka and Kagami. "There you are, Plagg what took you so long."
"Sorry when I got my phone I got a phone call and I took it in my room." Adrien replied.
"Juleka went to look for you, where is she now?" Luka asked.
"Oh she said that she was feeling a little ill so she decided to rest in her room." Adrien replied.
"Is she okay?" The three asked at the same time worried for her.
"I think that she's a little stressed because Philip is sick." Adrien replied.
"Hopefully she gets better." Luka said softly.
Juleka was in her room sitting against the bed frame hugging her legs thinking about everything that happened. "No, Philip couldn't have done that… Not Philip."
By dinner time Juleka still hadn't appeared so Adrien went to her room as a hotel maid was leaving the room with a trash bag. "Excuse me, is Mrs. Juleka Gain in there?"
"No and I think she left because her belongings aren't in there." The maid replied before walking away.
Adrien sighed before taking his phone out and called her. "Plagg? Or should I say Adrien?" Juleka's voice came from the other line.
"Juleka, are you okay and where are you?" Adrien asked, concerned.
"I'm fine and I'm heading home to open that safe and find out the truth once and for all." Juleka replied before hanging up.
Adrien was really worried for her that he decided to go after her.
Luka was also worried about Juleka and seeing that Plagg wasn't returning he called her. "Hello?"
"Juleka, are you okay? We are all waiting for you to have dinner together."
"I'm fine and have dinner without me since I'm heading home… I'm worried about Philip." Juleka replied.
"Alright…by any chance did you bump into Plagg since he went to look for you." Luka stated.
"Plagg…. No I didn't…. And when you come back to Paris we have a lot to talk about." Juleka replied.
"Juleka left the hotel so I came back to Paris in a taxi." Adrien told Nathaniel over the phone.
"Then Chloe and I will wait for you at the rental house and together we'll figure something out." Nathaniel stated.
"No I'm not going over there I'm going to try to reach Juleka." Adrien replied. "I'm worried about her because all of this stress isn't good for her health and I'm worried she might do something without thinking."
"Alright but stay calm and don't pressure her too much. She already went through a lot today." Nathaniel stated.
Juleka arrived at her house late at night and she headed to the bedroom to leave her things when she heard two voices inside which she immediately recognized as Philip and Lila.
"You have no idea how much I want to tell her everything I think about her in front of her face." Lila was telling Philip.
"What would you tell her?" Philip asked curiously.
"I would tell her goth, ridiculous, naive, weak and so much more." Lila replied laughing.
Philip laughed too. "If only that would make her die once and for all."
"She's so naive that she doesn't realize that the only reason a guy like you would marry her is only because of her money." Lila added.
"And her 40% of the company but I'm tired of wishing for her death so I can be free again." Philip replied.
Juleka was heartbroken with everything she heard. She couldn't believe that she was hearing those things from Philip, the man she loved and who she thought loved her back. She also couldn't believe what she was hearing from Lila.
She opened the door with tears in her eyes to find the two kissing. The two immediately broke the kiss when they heard the door open and the two were surprised to see her.
"How could you Philip? How could you betray me like this?" Juleka asked in tears as she walked deeper into the room. "How could you trick me this whole time?"
"It's not what you're imagining love." Philip said quickly standing up from the bed and he was only wearing shorts.
"How can you say that when I just heard everything you two said and saw you two kissing." Juleka said, crying more.
"You heard wrong dear." Philip said in a panic.
"I gave you so many years of my life and everything a woman in love could give." Juleka basically exclaimed.
"Juleka please-" Philip tried to grab her hands but Juleka moved them away immediately.
Juleka was crying a river now. "Now I understand so much I knew there was something up."
"Juleka I love you." Philip replied.
Juleka pushed him on the bed. "You are such a jerk! How can you keep saying that after all this? And with her of all people."
Philip stood up. "Love calm down, there's a good explanation for all of this."
"Philip the goth already knows everything; there's no point in pretending anymore. The only explanation is that I have been your mistress during your whole marriage and even longer." Lila said with a smirk.
"Lila be quiet." Philip hissed before looking at Juleka. "Don't listen to her, she's crazy."
"Crazy but not rich." Lila added. "Tell her that you only married her for interest and that you've been waiting for her death."
"Be quiet!" Juleka exclaimed, still in tears. "You're as bad as him. You're a liar and a manipulator." She looked at Philip. "I'm going to divorce you and take everything because everything belongs to me. This house, the car you drive in, and your clothes. I'll also make sure that you stay in the str-"
"No!" Philip started to choke her. "I won't lose everything I have. I have been waiting all these years for you to die and I'm not going to let them be wasted."
Juleka pushed him off her. "You are a coward, you even lied about my health. That's basically a crime!"
"No, don't blame everything on me." Philip started to choke her again. "You're a useless weakling who is only good at being the owner of a company. The only thing that I wanted was for you to die because I can't stand you!"
Juleka pushed him off her again and slapped him hard across the face. "You two are going to pay for this. I'm going to talk to Luka right now so he can kick you both from CG. I'm going to drown you Phillip Gain."
Juleka ran out of the room and Philip ran after her and caught her. "You're not going to call anyone. Not your brother or your savior Plagg. You're not leaving here alive."
"Get her!" Lila exclaimed.
Juleka kicked him where the sun doesn't shine and Philip groaned in pain letting go of her. Juleka took the chance to run out of the house.
Philip went after her again. Juleka was able to get out of the gate but she suddenly fainted and collapsed to the ground.
Surprised Philip went to her side. "Juleka?"
"Is she dead?!" Lila called out from the doorframe.
"I don't know!" Philip called back.
"What happened?" Adrien asked, rushing over to them and Lila quickly hid in the house before he could see her.
"I don't know, she fainted while entering the house." Philip replied.
"We need to call an ambulance." Adrien replied before calling an ambulance.
As Juleka was taken to the ER Adrien called Luka. "Hello?" Luka's voice came from the other line.
"Luka…. Juleka is in the hospital." Adrien said sadly. "And it seems like she's very ill."
"My sister!?" Luka exclaimed in a panic. "What happened? Where is she? What happened?"
"We don't know exactly what happened." Adrien replied. "You should come and see her immediately."
"Kagami and I will be there soon. Thank you for letting us know. What hospital is she in?" Adrien told him. "Got it." Luka stated before hanging up.
Adrien called Chloe and Nathaniel next. "It seems like she fainted in front of her house."
"Poor thing, what could have happened to her?" Chloe asked.
"I don't know but I have a feeling that she fainted because of stress." Adrien replied. "I wouldn't blame her with everything that she found out today."
"Yea I could imagine, do you want us to go for support?" Nathaniel replied.
"No, that's fine." Adrien saw that Philip was walking over to him so he quickly hung up.
"Plagg clear something up to me? Why did Juleka come back from Lucky Charm beach?" Philip asked him sternly. "She was supposed to stay there all weekend."
"She was worried about your health so she decided to come back early." Adrien replied. "By the way I'm glad to see that you're better."
"So why did you come back?" Philip asked. Before Adrien could respond the doctor walked over to them. "Doctor, how's my wife?"
The doctor sighed. "Your wife had a heart attack. Do you guys know if she suffered from a shock recently?" The two men immediately shook their heads no. "Look I have to be honest with you guys. Her chances are slim if you believe in God, pray for her."
Luka and Kagami arrived a little after the doctor left. "Philip, how's Juleka? What happened to her?" Luka asked in a panic.
Philip sighed. "I won't lie to you Luka. The doctor said that she has slim chances of surviving."
"Why what happened?" Kagami asked just as worried as Luka.
"She had a heart attack." Adrien replied softly.
"I want to see her." Luka stated.
"She's still in the ER and no one can see her right now." Adrien replied.
Luka starts to tear up. "Why her… she is a good person incapable of hurting anyone."
Kagami hugged him. "Everything is going to be okay Luka."
Philip saw Lila from afar hiding so he sneaked over to her. "What are you doing here? You shouldn't know what happened to the goth." He hissed.
"Did the goth die?" Lila asked.
"I wish but not yet." Philip replied.
"She needs to die, Philip. If she wakes up she'll tell everyone about us and she'll drown us." Lila stated.
"Yes I know but what do you expect me to do?" Philip asked.
"What do you mean by what? Help her die on the first chance that you get." Lila stated. "It's that or the streets and prison for attempted murder."
"I'm not a murderer." Philip replied.
"Well it's about time that you become one." Lila replied before walking away.
Philip walked back to Kagami and Luka as Marinette was arriving. "I came as soon as I could. I just had to drop Hugo off at my parents house. How is she?"
"Not so good… She has slim chances." Kagami said softly.
"We need to have faith that she'll survive." Marinette replied. "Juleka is young and strong."
"Thanks for your words Marinette, we need your support more than ever." Philip said with a soft smile.
"Let's hope what we fear doesn't occur but for the moment Marinette you need to be in charge of the project and the company." Luka stated.
Marinette nodded. "Yes of course but work should be the last thing on our minds right now. Juleka's health is the most important thing at the moment."
Philip smiled more. "What would we do without you, Marinette?"
"Well since I can't see her right now Kagami and I will go home to take a quick shower. Philip, if something happens let us know immediately." Luka stated.
"Don't worry Luka. There's no point for you guys to stay, rest and come back tomorrow." Philip stated. Once Luka and Kagami leave Philip sighs. "If something happens to Juleka it will kill me too."
Adrien walked over to them and Instead of hugging Philip, Marinette hugged Adrien in sadness. Philip wasn't so happy about this.
By the morning Marinette went home to rest as Philip and Adrien stayed in the hospital. Soon the doctor walked over to them. "How's my wife?"
"The same but now she can be visited but only one person at a time." The doctor replied.
"I'm her husband." Philip stated and the doctor took him to Juleka's room.
Once the doctor left them alone Philip looked at Juleka with hatred. "Die already goth. That way I can have your money and your part of the company. Oh and Marinette too." Philip took the extra pillow of Juleka's bed and he was about to suffocate her with a smirk on his face.