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.
Suddenly he heard the door knop being turned so he quickly put the pillow back and went to Juleka's side holding her hand and pretending to be sad. A nurse walked in with Luka behind her. "How is she doing?" Luka asked Philip as the nurse checked on her.
Philip looked at him with sad eyes. "The same…. It looks like she's just sleeping."
Philip moved away from the bed as Luka went to her side gently touching her head. "Be strong Juleka. You can't leave…Philip needs you…and I need you." He kisses the top of her head.
Marinette was finishing getting ready for the day when she heard the doorbell ring. She went and opened the door to see an exhausted Adrien, well Plagg in her eyes. "I just came to change my clothes…" Adrien walked in. "How are you doing? Did you sleep well?"
Marinette sighs, closing the door. "Yes, a little bit Plagg. I'm so worried about Juleka…and I'm worried about Luka and Philip who are the ones suffering the most with this. It hurts me to see them so devastated."
Adrien nodded. "Me too." Adrien only felt bad for Luka who he knew was actually suffering. He knew that Philip didn't care. "Though I'm not sure if Phillip's tears are… real sadness."
Marinette looked at him in disbelief. "Don't talk like that about Philip Plagg. He's in love with Juleka and neither of us should doubt that."
Adrien nodded knowing that this wasn't the right time to have that discussion. "Right, sorry I guess I'm on edge about everything that is going on."
"It's alright we all are." Marinette replied.
"Grandma Sabine, where's mommy?" Hugo asked Sabine as he was having breakfast at the bakery.
"She's going to be a little late today." Sabine replied.
"I heard something happened to aunt Juleka. Is she okay?" Hugo asked worriedly.
Sabine smiled at him gently. "Of course your aunt Juleka is a strong woman."
"I was about to suffocate her with a pillow but at that moment Luka walked in." Philip told Lila over the phone in the hallway.
"That's bad luck but another opportunity will appear and this time you can't fail." Lila replied over the line while getting ready for the day.
"Lila, it's not that easy. I have never killed anyone." Philip hissed in a whisper.
"If you don't do it and she survives then both of us will be in the streets." Lila replied.
"Maybe she'll wake up and not remember anything." Philip stated.
Lila laughed sarcastically. "I'm telling you right now that it's not my plan to step foot in the streets or jail so get rid of the goth immediately."
"I already told you that I'm not a murderer." Philip replied.
"I already told you that it's time that you become one. Kill her or we'll be ruined so do whatever you have to do." With that Lila hung up.
Luka was still at Juleka's side holding her hand as he cried softly. "When we were kids I would always tell you bedtime stories so you could go to sleep. You looked just like this…. Why didn't you tell me that you were so sick if I'm your brother?... Maybe I didn't know how to listen to you… I care so much about you Juleka. You need to wake up and get better." Luka buried his face on the bed crying hard. "You always wanted to take care of my future children so you need to get better if I ever do have children… I'm supposed to die first Juleka, not you… Not yet."
A little bit later Phillip went back in the room and Luka went to talk to the doctor. Philip stood there trying to figure out what to do when the door opened and Marinette walked in with Adrien behind her.
Philip looked at them sadly before looking at Juleka again. "She looks like an angel."
A nurse walked in. "I'm sorry but there can't be more than one person in here."
Phillip nodded and looked at Adrien. "Plagg, can you stay with her for a bit? I need to clear my mind." He didn't wait for a reply as he left the room and Marinette went with him,
The nurse also left after checking Juleka and Adrien walked by her side gently holding her hand. "I'm sorry for what happened Juleka. I hope you're not like this because of me… Everything I told you about Plagg is true and for me our friendship became stronger these last few days. I care about you as my sister."
Adrien suddenly remembered what Juleka told him about the copy of her house keys and at that moment he saw her keys next to her purse in a chair. Adrien looked at them before looking back at Juleka. He was going to fix everything for both of them.
Later that day Luka went to the office and gathered everyone in the meeting room. "As many of you might know… Juleka is going through a dedicated time right now… Her health isn't very good right now… The doctors are giving us slim chances but I'm not losing faith that my sister will get better. Thank you to all of you for the support you have given her. Phillip and I will be with her the whole time. In our absence Kagami and Marinette will be in charge."
"Don't worry dear you can count on us for now the most important thing is that you are by Juleka's side." Kagami stated and Marinette nodded.
Luka nodded. "Thank you all of you." With that he left.
"Poor thing who would imagine that Juleka would get so sick." Alya said sadly.
"Yea we should try to visit her later today." Nino stated.
"Only one person can visit her at once. Alya can you make a list of those that want to visit her so we can make sure everyone has the chance to?" Kagami asked and Alya nodded.
"I had no idea about what happened to Juleka." Lila stated. "Hopefully she gets better."
"Did Juleka wake up yet?" Chloe asked Adrien over the phone.
"No she's the same but I found her keys to the house and I'm heading there now." Adrien replied. "I'm taking the chance since Phillip is in the hospital."
"Yea take the opportunity and go there now." Chloe stated. "I'm sure Juleka would be fine with this since she wanted the truth as well. Just be careful to not get caught."
"Don't worry I will, hey did Nathaniel find someone that knows about locks?" Adrien asked.
"Yes he did." Chloe replied.
"Great because it's now or never." Adrien stated.
A doctor walked into the waiting room. "Family of Mrs. Gain?"
Luka and Philip quickly stood up. "How is she? Did she wake up?" Philip asked.
"I'm sorry to say that she is still unconscious. We did more tests on her and sadly her health is getting weaker faster than we thought." The doctor replied. "I'm sorry but her chances of surviving get slimmer by the second."
"I'm going to see her." Luka said before heading to her room.
"Die already die." Philip mumbled.
"You need to wake up." Luka said gently crying while holding Juleka's hand. "You need to open your eyes and smile as always. You need to get better because I don't want you to leave. You're my twin, my other half… You're a woman who's worth it a lot and I'll always be proud of being your brother. Please don't leave me or Phillip alone. I love you so much." The heart monitor started to show that her heart was getting weaker and Luka immediately called the doctor. Her eyes opened and she looked at him as her eyes showed a hidden secret that she couldn't say. "Juleka, what are you trying to tell me?"
The doctor came with Phillip behind him just as her heart stopped and her eyes closed again. The doctor checked her before looking at Luka and Philip in sadness without saying a word. Luka bursted into tears in silence as Philip faked tears. Luka hugged Juleka tightly, not wanting to let her go.
Adrien was just arriving at the house when he got a phone call from Marinette so he answered. "Hi Marinette."
"Plagg Juleka died." Marinette said, sobbing in tears.
Adrien teared up too. "I'm on my way." Adrien hung up and cried softly. "I hope you were able to forgive me Juleka… You left way too fast…Rest in peace."
The funeral happened the next weekend and everyone from the company went. Adrien went over to Luka. "Luka I'm so sorry I know that you were the one who loved her the most. She was an angel and we'll all miss her."
Luka looked at him in tears. "Before she died she opened her eyes and looked at me as if she had a hidden secret to tell me."
"She must've just been trying to say goodbye." Adrien replied.
Luka nodded. "Could be."
Afar Marinette was trying to cheer Philip up who was fake crying. "Please calm down Philip. I know that Juleka wouldn't want to see you like this."
Philip hugged her sobbing. "I don't know how I'll live without Juleka."
Adrien noticed as he walked over to Chloe and Nathaniel. "I'm sorry cus I don't know what to tell you. Only that the death of Juleka hurts me too." Chloe stated.
"I feel guilty. I wish that I could do something to prevent this. If I was the reason for her death I'll never forgive myself." Adrien whispers to them.
"Don't say that. It's not your fault. If it was she would've fainted in front of you not hours later in front of her husband." Nathaniel stated.
"It's so sad about what happened to Juleka." Lila said in fake sadness to Alya Nino Edward and Roxie.
Alya nodded. "Juleka was a great woman, it's a shame that she had to leave so soon."
"From blood Luka is the only Couffaine left. He only has Kagami now." Edward said in sadness.
"Well hopefully his dream of becoming a father comes true." Roxie added.
Chloe saw Gabriel Agreste talking to Luka and she whispered to Adrien. "Isn't that your dad?"
Adrien nodded. "Yes, the famous Gabriel Agreste. He's probably reliving the funeral of his son. Here I am unable to tell him or my mom how much I need them."
Later Adrien Nathaniel and Chloe walked into the rental home. "I feel a big pain in my chest about Juleka's death but something else is worrying me… Juleka was my only excuse to go to her house. Now I don't know what to do. How am I supposed to open that safe to gain evidence in my favor?"
"Well we'll have to make a plan and act like private investigators." Chloe replied.
At that moment Adrien's phone rang and he answered. "Hi Marinette, what can I do for you?"
"Plagg on Monday I want you to be in charge of the project. I have to deal with something." Marinette replied.
"Of course but is everything alright? Did something happen?" Adrien asked, concerned.
"Everything is alright, nothing to worry about. It's just that I have to visit Phillip who's upset about Juleka's death and misses her." Marinette replied.
Adrien didn't like that. "I can imagine. Well I hope that you can cheer him up."
On Monday Adrien was completely incharge of the company since Luka and Kagami went to be with Philip too. That made Adrien feel better knowing Marinette wouldn't be alone with him.
"Alright everyone I know that we are all going through a hard time right now accepting Juleka's death… Trust me I'm in the same position. However, we can't stop working. Juleka wouldn't want that. While the Gain family and Couffaine family are recovering from the loss. We need to make sure we don't cause them more stress. Let's work hard for them." Adrien told everyone in the meeting room before everyone immediately went to work.
Marinette was the first to arrive at Phillip's house and they started talking. "Even though I felt like she stopped loving me, I still loved her so much."
"You're mistaken Philip Juleka still loved you." Marinette replied. "I talked to her about your insecurities that day at the beach. She told me that she wasn't acting distant and that it was just a big misunderstanding."
Philip didn't expect Marinette to be honest with Juleka about what he lied to her about and that made him more relieved that Juleka died. It was going to be easier to seduce Marinette. "Maybe that's what she told you but I have proof that she was interested in another guy."
Marinette looked at him shocked and in disbelief. "What?"
Phillip showed her a fake picture of Juleka and Plagg. "They have gone out every night since they met. I'm not saying that they were having an affair or that Plagg was leading her on but she was hanging out with him more than with me."
"Okay but that doesn't mean anything. They were just friends who took a picture together. I don't think she was interested in him like that." Marinette replied.
"Maybe." Philip mumbled.
Luka and Kagami soon arrived and the four talked about their good memories with Juleka.
"You guys do realize that with Juleka's death Phillip will become the the co-owner of CG with 40% right?" Nino mentioned to Alya and Edward. "If we were barely able to deal with his ego and arrogance before, forget about it now."
"Don't talk like that and respect Phillip's suffering." Alya said sternly.
"Nino is right, Alya, it will be a miracle if he doesn't fire Nino and I like what he has always wanted." Edward stated. "Don't forget that he tried to fire you once too."
Alya rolled her eyes. "You're being too hard on him. He's strict but he's not the monster that you make him sound like."
"Dear, you haven't interacted with him in the same way as us." Nino stated.
The front door of the company opened and a young man walked over to the reception. The receptionist who was now Roxie looked at him. "Welcome to Couffaine Group, how can I - Adrien?!" She asked in shock seeing the man in front of her.
The man chuckles. "If you're referring about Adrien Agreste then no I'm not him. I'm Felix Fathom, his cousin. I'm here to see Marinette Agreste."
Roxie sighs in relief. "Oh I'm sorry about the confusion Mr. Fathom and Marinette isn't here today but her assistant is. Is your reason for seeing her personal or for business?"
"Well both but I guess that I can talk to her assistant about the business part and talk to her about the personal part later." Felix replied.
Roxie nodded. "Of course he's on the second floor in the head vice president office. I'll let his secretary know you're here."
"Thank you." Felix went to the elevator to go to the second floor.
Everyone had the same reaction as Roxie when they saw him but since they did know Felix they immediately realized that it was him.
Alix walked over to him. "It's nice to see you again Felix. Plagg is waiting for you, follow me."
Felix followed Alix to the office where Adrien was waiting for him. Adrien was really surprised that Felix was there. It's been a year since they saw each other and he wondered what Felix was doing here now.
"Nice to meet you Mr. Fathom I'm Plagg Noir Marinette's assistant." Adrien extended his hand to him to shake.
Felix shook it. "Nice to meet you too."
"What brings you here today?" Adrien asked.
"I want to be direct, I want to work at Couffaine Group." Felix stated. "I heard that before Adrien died he was accused of stealing 3 million errors. Now we had our differences in the past but I know for a fact that Adrien didn't steal anything. Though the only way to prove that is if I work here."
Adrien was surprised not that Felix wanted to help him since their relationship was much better ever since high school but that he was direct about it. "Well I appreciate your honesty though I don't think there's any spots available at the moment."
Felix nodded. "That's fine, let me know when there is one and I will come back since I want to see Marinette."
"Of course." Adrien replied.
"It's hard to believe that she died so young. She had so much to live for." Luka said sadly.
"Life isn't fair." Philip said while holding a picture frame of Juleka. "It happened just when she was gaining her self confidence back and working in the company again."
"Philip, don't forget that you're not alone. You have me and Luka who still see you as family." Kagami stated softly.
Philip nodded. "I feel the same way about you two and our friends." Says while looking at Marinette.
Marinette smiled. "Of course we are all here for you."
"The death of Juleka got me and Kagami really thinking about having a child. Life's too short to wait." Luka stated.
"That's great but you guys shouldn't rush that decision." Philip said with a smile. If they have a baby all his plans would be ruined.
"Don't worry we aren't rushing the decision but we are thinking more about it and deeper on it." Kagami stated returning the smile.
The next day Luka set up a last minute meeting. "As all of you might know by now Juleka was a big contributor to the Miraculous Ladybug project and I decided that from now on the project will be in tribute to my sister."
Marinette smiled. "Luka, that's the best way that we could honor Juleka. It would be my pleasure to dedicate this project in her name."
"Now the most important thing is to design a strategy in how we will film in different locations around the world at the same time and who will be in which locations." Luka stated.
"Well I obviously will be involved with the Lucky Charm beach location." Marinette stated. "My team will help me but if they are needed at other locations they'll go with pleasure."
"I'll be involved in the Japan location." Kagami stated. "And the other Asian locations."
"I'll be making sure that every location is working well but I'll mostly be involved with the America location both north and south." Luka stated.
"As I'm in charge of marketing I'll be going back and forth from every location." Lila said, hiding her irritation.
"I'll be doing the same with the financial needs of all the locations." Philip added.
"Great now that everything is settled back to work everyone. Except for you Philip you have the whole week off." Luka said before everyone went to work.
Adrien and Marinette were working when Adrien suddenly had to ask Marinette something that wouldn't leave him alone. "Marinette I know that this is going to sound odd but have you ever thought of dating again?"
Marinette looked at him surprised. "Well I don't think I'll be able to move on from Adrien just yet but I would like to redo my life with someone else at some point. I'm sure that's what Adrien would want and Hugo does need a father figure."
Adrien nodded, expecting that kind of answer from her. She's right though he would want her to move on and be happy with someone if he did die. "Yea I bet he would want you to be happy."
"Thanks Plagg though where did that question come from?" Marinette asked.
Adrien shrugged. "Just a question that came to my mind. Oh by the way yesterday Felix Fathom came."
"Felix came to the company yesterday?" Marinette asked, surprised. "What did he want?"
Adrien was going to respond when Alya walked in. "Marinette I wasn't able to talk to you yesterday but you won't believe who came."
"Let me guess Felix Adrien's cousin?" Marinette asked playfully.
Alya looked at Adrien with her hands on her hips. "Plagg, I'm her best friend. I was supposed to tell her the gossip."
Adrien chuckles. "Sorry Alya but I didn't know that him coming here was considered as gossip."
"Well what did Felix want?" Marinette asked.
"Well according to Roxie he came to see you for two things, one business related and the other one was personal. He said he would come talk to you about the personal reason later but he came to talk to Plagg about the business reason." Alya replied.
The two women looked at Adrien. "He came looking for a job."
"A job?!" They exclaimed, surprised.
"Yea he found out about the fraud Adrien was accused of before dying but he doesn't believe Adrien actually did it. He wanted to work here to be able to gather information in his favor." Adrien replied.
"Okay whoever framed Adrien did a terrible job making it believable because no one believes that it was him. Not even Felix who's the most critical of all of us." Alya stated.
Marinette nodded. "What did you tell him, Plagg?"
"That there's no available spot open right now but that you would call him if one opened." Adrien replied.
"That was the right thing to do." Marinette stated. "The more people that help me clear Adrien's name the better."
"I wonder what's the personal thing that he wants to talk to you about." Alya replied.
Marinette nodded. "Me too."
Later Adrien went to visit Nathaniel and Chloe at the rental home and he took out his disguise in his room there. "I'm getting sick of being Plagg all the time. Sometimes I just want to go to the streets as Adrien, obviously in hiding."
"Well you can't." Chloe replied. "Imagine if someone sees you and immediately discovers that it's you. Just like how I did."
"Well dear let's be honest no one is like you in the investigation department but she does have a point Adrien." Nathaniel added.
"I know that I didn't say that I was actually going to do it. I just wish that I could." Adrien stated. "Speaking of investigation, my cousin Felix came to the company yesterday seeking a job so he could find evidence in my favor."
"Hey, that's good, another person to help us discover the truth." Chloe said with a smile.
"Yea and it would be nice if he was there for Marinette as an actual familiar face." Adrien replied. "Though the only thing that I'm concerned about is that in high school he dated Kagami for a couple of months. They ended on good terms and stayed friends but I don't know how Luka would feel about having one of Kagami's exs working in the company even though Luka and Felix are friends."
Nathaniel chuckles. "I see where you're coming from Adrien but if the three are friends then there shouldn't be a problem right?"
Adrien nodded. "Yes you're right plus right now there's no available spot for him to work in the company anyway."
"So how long do you plan to live with Marinette?" Chloe asked.
"I'm not sure but now I really need to stay there. Now that Philip is a widower he's trying even more to be with her." Adrien replied. "After all he never loved Juleka."
"I know that it's not right to judge someone without really knowing them but I agree with you and I only talked to him once." Chloe stated.
"Plus there's something about Juleka's death that doesn't add up. I feel guilty about it but I feel like there's something more." Adrien stated.
"Maybe or maybe not." Nathaniel replied. "What about our plan? Why don't we enter the Gain mansion and open that safe?"
"Well now it's more difficult because Philip is in mourning and rarely leaves his home." Adrien stated. "He only went to the company for a meeting today then he went back home."
"Alright but remember I already have a person that can help us." Nathaniel replied.
Adrien sighs. "Talking about Juleka is really making me miss her right now. If it really was my fault then I deserve the worst punishment ever."
"Dear, do you mind taking care of the kids and the house chores while I study?" Alya asked Nino as they entered their house with the kids. "I'm just about to start my thesis."
"Sure I'll make dinner first then I'll clean the house." Nino stated.
"Great thanks honey." Alya said before heading to the master bedroom. The kids went to play in their rooms as Nino started preparing dinner.
Marinette closed Hugo's report card and looked at him concerned. "Hugo, these grades are lower than usual. What happened?"
"I don't know mommy but my teacher says that if I try hard enough I'll be back on track." Hugo said softly.
Marinette smiled at him, "I agree with your teacher. Don't worry I'll help you with your homework, help you study for tests so you feel more comfortable in school and you'll be back on track before you know it. Either way I love you so much."
Sabine walked over to them. "Dinner is ready, come and eat."
Hugo quickly ran to the table. "Mom, did you see Hugo's grades?" Marinette asked as she showed her the report card. "Hugo's grades dropped a lot."
Sabine nodded. "I did but I don't think we should worry. It's normal based on everything he has been through lately."
"Yes that's what I thought too." Marinette replied. "I have to make sure that Hugo feels comfortable in school."
Once Marinette put Hugo to sleep she got a phone call and so she answered. "Hello?... Hi Philip, how are you doing?"
"Badly Marinette. I can't stop thinking about Juleka." Philip said, sounding sad.
"Time will heal you. Don't get desperate." Marinette replied.
"I'm being a jerk just telling you about my feelings. How are you doing Marinette? It seems like everything is going well in the company." Philip stated.
"I'm also sad about Juleka but you need to worry more about yourself and recovering from this." Marinette replied. "You know that I understand how you feel since I experienced the same thing when Adrien died."
"That's why I dared to call you because I know that you're the only one that can understand this pain that I'm feeling." Philip stated. "I swear that I can't deal with this anymore."
"Please calm down." Marinette begged in concern.
"I can't calm down. Please come see me… I feel like I'm dying as if this house is suffocating me." Philip replied.
Marinette was even more worried. "I'm on my way." Marinette left Adrien in charge of Hugo before heading to see Philip. Adrien was obviously not happy about it but there was nothing he could do about it.
Marinette went to Phillip's house to find him in tears. "It's so hard, Marinette. At every moment I can't stop thinking that I can't live without her. My dear Juleka."
Marinette put a hand on his shoulder. "It's natural Philip you just lost someone very important in your life. You still haven't had the chance to process it."
"I feel like nothing can take me out from this dark void." Philip said sadly. "Nothing seems important or makes me happy without her. I lost meaning in life."
"I know how you feel Philip." Marinette replied. "I felt the same way when I lost Adrien. When we lose a loved one it's hard to overcome it… I'm still overcoming it both for Adrien's and Juleka's death."
Phillip nodded. "I know that you understand me because we both went through the same thing."
"Though I trust that time can help cure our pain." Marinette replied. "Or at least making that pain more livable."
"What will I do until then?" Philip exclaimed in tears,
"Calm down Philip, I'm here." Marinette said softly.
"You're going to leave and I'll be alone!" Phillip exclaimed. "I'm even afraid to do something crazy. I'm thinking about going with Juleka… Do you mind staying with me tonight?"
Marinette nodded. "Don't worry I'll stay with you tonight. I can't leave you like this."
Philip smiled. "Thank you Marinette, you really are a great friend." He hugged her before smirking to himself.
A little bit later Marinette called Adrien and he answered. "Hi Marinette… How's Phillip doing?"
"Not so good. He's having suicidal thoughts so I'm going to stay with him for the night." Marinette replied.
Adrien grib got tighter on his phone. "You're going to stay with him?"
"Yes, in one of the guest rooms. I'll stay with him until he falls asleep then I'll go to sleep myself." Marinette replied. "I should be back early in the morning until then please take care of Hugo."
"Don't worry Hugo will be fine when you come back." Adrien replied before the call ended. Adrien knew Marinette wasn't going to do anything with Philip but he had no doubt that this was just a trap Philip made to get her closer to him.
Marinette went to Phillip's room and saw him hugging a picture of Juleka while crying. "I can't go to sleep. Everytime I close my eyes I see Juleka. I am guilty for letting her die."
"Don't say that you have nothing to do with it." Marinette stated.
"Yes I did!" Philip exclaimed. "I should have taken care of her health even more. I killed her."
Marinette bends in front of him. "You didn't kill her. Her health just got worse and more complicated. Please try to rest…Do you want me to prepare tea for you? It might calm you down."
Phillip nodded. "Yea that might help me thank you Marinette."
"Of course." Marinette went to prepare the tea and soon she came back. She stayed by his side waiting for him to fall asleep but that wasn't until 4 in the morning. Marinette went to a guest room exhausted.
Philip soon sneaked into Marinette's room without her knowing as she was fast asleep. "I'm going to be patient with you Marinette. You're going to be mine in every way possible. You're going to be mine and only mine."
In the morning Marinette went back home to find Hugo up and ready for school. "Mommy where were you?"
"I went to help uncle Philip deal with the death of aunt Juleka." Marinette replied ruffling his hair. "Did you already eat breakfast?"
"Yes Plagg made breakfast for us and for you too mommy." Hugo stated.
Adrien walked over to her. "Good morning Marinette, how's Philip?"
"He's doing alright but he couldn't sleep last night until 4 in the morning… So I'm a bit exhausted." Marinette replied.
Adrien nodded. "I can imagine if you want to stay and rest for the day. I'm fine taking care of everything in the office."
"That's nice of you to offer Plagg but I need to go to work." Marinette stated before quickly eating the breakfast Adrien made for her.
She then got ready for the day before leaving the house with Adrien and Hugo. They left Hugo at school before heading to the company.
Philip was getting ready for the day when his phone rang and he answered after seeing who it was. "Hi Luka."
"Hi Philip… I'm sorry for calling you so early. I know that you're still mourning Juleka's death but the family's lawyer called. He wants to read us Juleka's will."
"Oh…that." Philip said with a sad tone while smirking. "I didn't even think about her will. Who thinks about heiresses when a loved one dies."
"I know but life needs to go on." Luka replied sadly. "Mr. Ninling will read us her will at the company."
"I'll do my best to get up from bed and forget this pain that is killing me." Philip said sadly. "... See you in the company."
"Yes it's time to see what my sister has decided in her will." Luka replied.
"Thank you, see you soon." Philip hung up before laughing. "The will. Philip Gain, the new co-owner of Couffaine Group."
At the company Alya and Nino were looking through their bills. "Let's see we need to pay the bill for gas, water, electricity and for our cell phones…we have the money but I don't think I'll have time to go to the bank with everything else that I have to do."
Nino smiled, taking the bills from Alya's hands. "You don't need to worry about that dear. I'll go to the bank and pay all these bills. You just worry about the work you have to do here and for school."
Alya smiled back. "Thank you for all the help Nino. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Don't mention it. It's my pleasure to help." Nino replied. "Though to answer your question you would be a complete mess." Alya playfully nudged him.
"What are you doing here Philip? I thought you had the week off?" Lila asked Philip in his office.
"I do but today the goth's will well be read." Philip replied with a smirk.
"About time that we get what we want." Lila said, returning the smirk.
"Yes now that I become the minority co-owner of the company I'll have more money than I do now and the respect and fame that I always deserved." Philip replied. "Nothing can stop me now."
"Here's the report you asked for Marinette." Adrien said while handing her a file.
Marinette took it. "Thank you Plagg."
At that moment Philip walked in. "Philip, what a surprise. I didn't expect you here after what the terrible night Marinette told me you had. Plus I thought you had the week off." Adrien said, holding a fake smile.
"Yes I do but Juleka's will is going to be read here and I need to be present." Philip replied before looking at Marinette. "I just came to thank you again for spending the night with me and giving me your support. As a thank you I came to invite you for lunch."
Marinette smiled at him. "It would be my pleasure to have lunch with you but I already made plans with Plagg. Maybe another time?"
Philip nodded with a fake smile. "Of course."
Alix walked in. "Sorry to interrupt but Luka is looking for Philip and Plagg. Oh and Chloe is here Plagg."
"Why is he looking for us?" Adrien asked curiously.
"The Couffaine lawyer is here to read the will of Juleka." Alix replied.
"I knew about that but Plagg is in her will?" Philip asked, confused.
"It must be a misunderstanding." Adrien replied. "I'll go see what Chloe wants real quick then I'll go see Luka."
"Do you think Juleka left a letter exposing me in her will?" Adrien asked Chloe as they were talking in an empty office.
"That wouldn't make sense with the fact that she fainted before entering her house." Chloe replied. "You should just go and see what is going on."
Adrien nodded. "Yes you're right, maybe I'm worrying for nothing. Maybe Luka called me for something else that doesn't have to do with the will and it was just a coincidence."
Soon Luka, Kagami, Philip and Adrien were in the meeting room with Mike Ninling. "Alright now that everyone is here-"
"Hold on a moment there's one extra person here. Juleka's only family members are Luka, Kagami and I." Philip stated.
"Well Juleka updated her will a few days ago and she asked for Plagg Noir to be present." Mike replied.
"Can it be known why that is?" Philip asked.
"You'll find out why now Mr. Gain. Mrs. Gain left a letter of her last wish which she signed and it has to do with this." Mike handed Luka a CD. "A video she recorded for all four of you to see. What she left in her letter is in that video and it's completely legal."
Luka put that CD in his computer which connected to the big flat TV in the morning room and pressed play.
The video started with Juleka sitting in her office with a smile on her face. "My dear brother Luka, my dear sister in law and best friend Kagami, my beloved husband Philip and my new best friend Plagg. You four have been the most important people in my life. Luka who has always been by my side and gave me his love and support. Kagami who has been a helping hand along with all my other girl best friends. Philip who has always tried to make me happy and was able to by giving me his love and Plagg who helped me gain my self esteem again and guided me back to my passions. I value myself again and I'll always be grateful to you. I have faith in my future now and you are worth gold Plagg. This is why my will is that the jewelry that belonged to my mom should be given to Luka and Kagami with the hope that they use them properly by all my girl friends and maybe if you guys are granted the blessing of having a daughter. Meanwhile my house in Paris, California, and London along with all my other belongings belong to Philip as well as 20% of my ownership in Couffaine Group -"
Philip stood up immediately. "Hold up 20%? Lawyer what's this about it should be the 40%-"
"Because the remaining 20% belong to the person who has been by my side unconditionally. Someone who was by my side without asking for anything back. The new owner of Couffaine Group Plagg Noir. I wish the four of you happiness."
The video ends. "Mrs. Juleka Gain left all of that in this letter." Mike stated showing the letter to Luka.
"I don't know what to say." Adrien said speechless.
"Juleka must have cared a lot for you to leave you this gesture." Kagami stated.
"You must have been very important in her life, Plagg." Luka added.
"But she couldn't have left him 20% of ownership." Philip said, irritated.
"Philip, that was Juleka's decision. We need to respect it." Kagami stated.
"No we need to investigate what Plagg did to make her do that." Philip exclaimed.
"The only thing I did was to care for her." Adrien replied. "I gave her affection and compassion. I was by her side in hard times and we had fun times together with Marinette or Chloe."
"We need to see if Juleka was even in the right mind when she did this. We can't give credit to a letter and video that appeared from nowhere."
"They are legal and Juleka was in the right state physically and mentally when she did it." Mike replied. "Therefore I will need your documentation with photos to make the co-ownership official. As soon as possible."
Adrien slowly nodded. "Yes I'll do it as soon as possible." Adrien didn't know what to do since he was using a fake identity of someone else. "The thing is all my documents were burned in a fire so it might take time for me to get them again."
"Don't worry it won't take as long as you think. Please try to give me the documents as soon as you can." Mike stated.
Adrien nodded before the lawyer left with Luka and Kagami following him. Phillip glared at Adrien. "I have no doubt that you did something to make her give you co-ownership." With that Philip stormed out.
Adrien immediately called Nathaniel. "Nathaniel, can you meet me at Couffaine Group? I need to talk to you immediately. We have a problem."
Outside the meeting room everyone was waiting patiently to know what was in Juleka's will. "What I don't understand is what Plagg is doing in there." Nino stated.
Alya nodded. "It is odd but we'll find out when they come out."
They saw Luka and Kagami talking to the lawyer while Philip stormed to his office. "Well whatever happened Philip isn't happy about it." Edward stated.
They saw Lila go into Philip's office and Plagg hadn't left the meeting room yet.
"I know it was a big surprise for everyone but I couldn't say it ahead of time." Mike told Luka and Kagami.
"Yea no one would imagine that Plagg would become co-owner of the company." Luka replied.
"Though it's not a bad thing either. Just surprising." Kagami added.
The lawyer left and Luka went to his office as Kagami went to the group that was anxious to know what's going on.
"Well everyone it turns out that instead of having one new co-owner there's two. Juleka split her 40% between Philip and Plagg." The group looked at her with their mouths wide.
"That idiot goth why did she give Plagg 20% of her ownership? For what reason did she do that?!" Lila exclaimed.
"That idiot goth… How would I know? Maybe they were having an affair." Philip replied.
"I doubt it. First no one would be interested in that goth and she was too good to cheat on you. Plus Plagg seems interested in Marinette." Lila stated. "Maybe she suspected our affair ahead of time and did it as revenge."
"Don't be ridiculous if that was the case she wouldn't have left me anything." Philip replied.
"We need to calm down and make a plan." Lila stated.
"Like what?" Philip asked, irritated. "That's the goth's last wish and it will be official once Plagg presents his documents."
"Then we need to make sure that he doesn't present his documents." Lila said with a smirk.
"I'm not going to accept that 20% Nathaniel. I feel guilty for her death and I don't deserve a reward." Adrien told Nathaniel as they were talking in an empty office.
"First of all it wasn't your fault. Second of all it would be crue of you to not accept her last wish." Nathaniel replied.
"You don't understand Nathaniel. Juleka gave her money to Plagg but Plagg doesn't exist." Adrien replied.
"He does exist but I understand what you mean." Nathaniel stated. "However, if you accept you'll have a higher chance of finding evidence in your favor."
"Yes but to do that I'll have to do another crime besides identify fraud which is documentation fraud." Adrien replied.
"Well it's that or giving up." Nathaniel stated.
Adrien sighs. "I just hope that Juleka did forgive me and didn't die because of me."
When Adrien walked into the office he was surprised to find Philip there. "Philip, if you're looking for Marinette she's talking with the team in their office."
"No I'm not looking for her, I was waiting for you." Philip replied.
"Oh well in that case what can I do for you?" Adrien asked.
"I want to know why my beloved wife gave you half of her ownership of the company." Philip said, standing in front of Adrien in a threatening way.
"I don't know, that's something we would have to ask her about." Adrien replied, holding back a smirk.
"You must have an idea of why she did it. Were you having an affair with her?" Philip asked sternly.
Adrien laughed. "Of course not, she was like a sister to me plus I like someone else. She saw me as a brother, maybe that's why she did it. Oh and she did suspect that you were cheating on her."
"That's ridiculous." Philip said sternly.
"Ask everyone of her friends, especially Marinette and Kagami, they can confirm it." Adrien replied.
"I'm sure you are hiding something and sooner or later I'll unmask you." With that Philip left.
Later Marinette and Adrien were having lunch together. "When Kagami showed me the video I became speechless. Her gesture was as generous as the friendship you gave her, Plagg."
Adrien nodded. "I agree but Juleka didn't have to give me anything. I was her friend generously without any greedy intentions. I honestly don't know if I should accept that 20% of ownership."
"You should accept it, Plagg." Marinette replied. "That was Juleka's wish and as her friend you shouldn't deny it. Obviously it's your choice but I think that you think about it."
Adrien nodded. "Alright I promise that I'll think about it."
"Oh and guess what Hugo's room is going to be ready by this weekend." Marinette replied.
"That's great to hear. I bet it looks amazing." Adrien replied with a smile.
"I called some friends and from their investigations. Plagg never worked in the companies he mentions in his resume." Francisco told Philip in his office.
"So he lied, that's a good start." Philip stated. "I need to make sure to drown him. I bet that if we look deeper I'll find something that will help me make sure Plagg never becomes the co-owner."
When Marinette entered her office she found a rose on her desk and she smiled while picking it up. "What a beautiful rose I wonder who left it here."
"It's from me as a thank you for helping me last night." Philip said as he walked in the office.
"It's beautiful, Philip, thank you." Marinette replied. "Since I lost Adrien just like how you lost Juleka I can tell you that the only way to deal with the pain is to let out your emotions."
"Do you think that after a terrible tragedy someone can fall in love again?" Philip asked.
"I would say it's possible." Marinette replied. "One day I would like to fall in love again."
"I don't think that's possible for me. After all, I doubt I'll ever fall in love with someone as much as I did with Juleka." Philip said with fake sadness.
Francisco walked into the Kurtzberg rental home and no one was in the lobby so he went to the second floor and bumped into a resident. "Sorry I'm a friend of Plagg Noir and he asked me to grab something from his room but I don't know which room is his."
"His room is that one." The resident replied pointing at the door across the hall.
"Thank you." Francisco waited until the resident left before trying to open Adrien's door. It was locked so he took out a card from his wallet and opened the door successfully. Francisco was about to enter the room.
"Plagg, I called you here to let you know that I support Juleka's decision." Luka told Adrien as Kagami was standing behind Luka's chair. "You were very important in her life and I'm grateful to you."
"Plus you showed to all of us that you deserved a higher position than just being an assistant." Kagami added.
Adrien smiled at them. "I appreciate your words and thank you for your trust and support."
At that moment Philip walked in. "I'm sorry to interrupt but it's urgent for me to talk to you Luka."
Adrien stood up. "Well in that case I'm going to leave -"
"No Plagg I want you to stay. What I have to tell Luka is about you." Philip replied.
"What is it that you have to tell me?" Luka asked.
"That I discovered that the great Plagg Noir came to this company with lies." Philip said, giving Adrien a stern look. "He gave us a fake resume or are you going to deny it Plagg?"