This wasn't the plan but Philip had to be the hero. He had to win Marinette's heart. "If money is what you want then name the price so you can leave this family alone." Philip said sternly.
"That's a tempting offer you are giving me." The man said while standing up.
"What!? We aren't and shouldn't pay this man after what he did." Adrien said, crossing his arms.
"It's the only way to make sure that this man doesn't bother us again, Plagg." Philip stated.
"No Philip, Plagg is right. If we pay him it would be like rewarding him for taking Hugo and I'm not going to reward anyone for kidnapping my son." Marinette replied. "Though I appreciate what you were trying to do."
"What we should do is call the police." Sabine stated.
"Don't worry Sabine, I'll call them." Nino said, about to call the police.
The man immediately ran off and Adrien was about to go after him but Marinette stopped him by grabbing his arm. "Don't bother Plagg, he's not worth it. Either way I'm still going to report him."
"Let's go back to the bakery and call the police there." Tom suggested. "There's no point in standing out here anymore."
Everyone agrees and they head back to the bakery. There Marinette reported the attempted kidnapping of Hugo to the police.
Philip was furious that his plan didn't go the way he wanted. Not only was Hugo safe but Plagg once again was seen like the hero. Now he had no doubt that if he couldn't get rid of Hugo then he was going to get rid of Plagg Noir once and for all.
That night Adrien went to the rental home and ranted to Chloe and Nathaniel about what happened that day. "You can't imagine the fear I had inside when I found out Hugo was kidnapped. I suddenly found a passion to save him that I didn't even know I had. Luckily I was able to save him in time."
"I'm sure it was terrible for you and Marinette." Chloe replied.
"Yes and that guy is lucky that I didn't lose control of myself because he would be dead by now if I did." Adrien said with anger rising in him.
"The important part is that he's safe now. That's thanks to you, his father, even if he doesn't know that." Nathaniel stated.
"You're right….Well I should probably get going now it's getting late and I promised Hugo I would read him a bedtime story." Adrien replied.
"Alright take care." Chloe stated and Adrien nodded.
"I knew that something like this could happen being part of the Agreste family but nothing like this has ever happened before and now I'm terrified this might happen again mom." Marinette told Sabine who went to the mansion since Marinette now had a fear of being alone in the streets with Hugo.
"I know how you feel, Marinette and you're right, we should be more careful from now on." Sabine stated. "Though you shouldn't fear the world for the bad action of one person."
Marinette nodded. "I know that you're right mom and I'm sure that this feeling will fade eventually but for now it's inside me and it's strong."
Sabine hugged her stroking her hair. "I know dear. Just remember that Hugo is safe and that's all that matters."
Marinette hugged back. "I know mom and that's thanks to Plagg. I don't want to even imagine what would have happened to Hugo if he wasn't able to save him in time."
"We shouldn't even think about that." Sabine said while breaking the hug. "Where is Plagg anyway?"
"He went to visit his cousin Chloe. He should be back soon." Marinette replied.
Adrien was walking back to the mansion when he saw Phillip talking to the man who tried to kidnap Hugo. Suspicious Adrien hid behind a pole and tried to listen to their conversation but they were still far away for him to hear.
"I paid you so you could do the job not so you could mess up." Philip told the man harshly.
"It's not my fault that the other man was too fast and strong." The man replied. "A little bit of a warning would have been nice."
"I didn't know he was going to be there and I especially didn't know he was going to go after you like a mad man that was supposed to be my job." Philip said, irritated. "I was going to be the hero not him."
"So are you going to pay me or what?" The man asked.
"I'm not going to pay you the amount I promised you since you didn't do the job right but I will pay you a good amount of money to keep your mouth shut about this." Philip handed the man the money.
Even though Adrien wasn't sure what they were saying, he still took a picture of Phillip handing the man the money since everything was really suspicious and he had to show Marinette. Adrien was getting the bad feeling that it was Philip who ordered the man to kidnap Hugo. Just the thought of it made Adrien want to go to him and punch him but Adrien didn't have proof that he was the cause, only that he handed the man some money.
After Philip and the man walked away in two different directions Adrien headed to the mansion. Marinette was already asleep and Adrien knew she had a rough day so he decided to show her the picture the next day. He was also upset that he didn't make it in time to read Hugo a story. Though he had to get his emotions out so once he got in his room he called Nathaniel.
"Nathaniel?... You won't believe who I think was behind the attempted kidnapping of Hugo. It was Philip." Adrien stated.
"Why are you so sure about that?" Nathaniel asked.
"Because as I was walking back to the mansion I saw him at an empty parking lot talking to the man who tried to kidnap Hugo and Phillip handed him some money." Adrien replied. "He's the definition of evil."
"Wow but why would he want Hugo to be kidnapped?" Nathaniel asked.
"Philip can't stand Hugo and he would always call him a brat behind Marinette's back but always at my face." Adrien replied. "He either wanted Hugo gone for good so he could get closer to Marinette or be the hero saving Hugo. Either way he was trying to win Marinette over. He didn't expect me to go after the man but I didn't do it to win Marinette over. I did it for my son and his safety. I don't know how it will help but I took pictures of Philip giving the man some money."
"That was the best thing you could do." Nathaniel stated.
Early the next morning Marinette was giving Hugo his breakfast when the doorbell rang. "Who could it be at this hour?" Marinette went to open the door and it was Philip.
Philip smiled at her. "Good morning Marinette. I hope you don't mind me coming this early in the morning. I just wanted to know how you were doing after what happened yesterday."
"Good morning Philip and I'm doing much better. Mom stayed with me until late at night and I was able to calm down." Marinette replied. "Please come in."
Philip walked in. "I'm glad to hear that."
At that moment Adrien walked down the stairs and when he saw Philip he knew that this was the best time to show Marinette. "Good morning Marinette I have to show and tell you something and I'm glad Philip is here since it involves him."
"What are you talking about Plagg?" Philip asked, confused.
"Well last night I found out that you are meeting with the guy who tried to kidnap Hugo in secret. I don't know why but it is very suspicious." Adrien replied.
Marinette looked over at Philip. "Is that true Philip?"
"Of course not. You became crazy Plagg." Philip said irritated and a little fearful of how he knew but his best option right now was to play dumb.
"I'm not crazy, I know what I saw, I even have evidence of him giving the man some money." Adrien showed Marinette the picture of Philip handing the man the money. "It's up to you to judge the situation, Marinette."
Marinette looked at the picture then at Philip. "What were you doing with the kidnapper of my son Philip?"
Philip sighs. "I didn't want to tell you Marinette because I know you already went through a lot yesterday but I decided to pay that guy to make sure he never bothers you or your family again."
"Phillip we all agreed we wouldn't pay him and I already reported him to the police." Marinette stated. "You shouldn't have done that."
"I know and I'm sorry but I just wanted to make sure you were safe." Philip replied.
Marinette took a deep breath. "I appreciate what you did and I know that you meant well but you really shouldn't have done it or you have told me you were going to do that."
"I know and you're right to be upset. I should go, I'll see you at work." With that Philip left glaring at Adrien.
"Thank you for telling me Plagg and you were right to not judge before getting his side of things." Marinette replied. "Now let's have breakfast."
Adrien nodded as he followed Marinette to the kitchen. He obviously didn't believe Phillip's story but there was nothing else he could do about it.
"So how did it go with Marinette?" Nathaniel asked Adrien when he went to visit him and Chloe.
"Well Philip went to the mansion early in the morning and I told Marinette what I saw showing her the picture. Though as always Philip made up a story saying that he only paid him to leave her and Hugo alone." Adrien replied. "Marinette believed him though she was still upset about it."
"What will you do now?" Nathaniel asked.
"Well with that situation I can't do anything about it but I will continue finding evidence in my favor. Though I need an assistant for that." Adrien said while looking at Chloe.
Chloe looked at him in disbelief. "You want me to be your assistant?"
Adrien nodded. "Yes, being an owner means that I have a lot of work to do. Plus I need help with the other things. Of course only if you accept."
"Of course I accept." Chloe replied with a bright smile.
The next day at the company Chloe walked out of the elevator and went to Alix. "Hi Alix, is Plagg here?"
Alix nodded. "Yes he's in his office. Are you here to visit him?"
"Well actually I'm here to work with him." Chloe replied. "I'm his new assistant."
"Really that's great!" Rose said brightly.
"What about the rental home and your hair and makeup business?" Mylene asked.
"Nathaniel is going to take care of the rental home and I can still do my other job after work hours and during the weekends." Chloe replied. "Plus aside from being the assistant of Plagg I was asked by Luka to help with the hair and make up of those in the music videos and commercials."
"That's great I'll let Plagg know that you're here." Alix said before walking off.
At that moment Kagami walked over. "Chloe I'm so glad that you came. When Plagg told us that you were going to be his assistant we were all happy though keep in mind that working behind the scenes of a music video or commercial isn't the same as just doing hair and make up."
Chloe nodded. "Don't worry Kagami. I'm aware of that but I'm willing to learn and Luka did also hire me as a hair and makeup artist and in that area I'm good at."
"Yes I know that you're the best at that." Kagami replied.
Alix walked over to them. "Plagg is waiting for you Chloe."
"Welcome to the team." Kagami stated.
"Thanks." Chloe walked into the office.
Alya walked into Marinette's office and closed the door behind her before sitting across from Marinette. "Okay girl spill what's going on between you and Plagg."
Marinette looked at her confused. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't play dumb with me. I see how he looks at you and with everything that he has done for you, like saving Hugo from being kidnapped, it's obvious that he loves you and not just as a friend. Phillip also sees you with interest but not in the same way as Plagg. Not to mention that Philip was Juleka's husband and it doesn't really seem right for you to go out with him at least right now. Oh something that I forgot to mention about Plagg is that he's living with you and you see him with a certain spark. I can't explain it but it is there. Are you interested in Plagg?" Alya asked.
Marinette sighs. "Look like you I also noticed Phillip's interest in me, even mom noticed it but I agree about what you said about him plus I'm not even interested in him. Though like you mom also thinks that Plagg is also interested in me but I honestly don't see it."
"He's more calm than Philip showing his emotions but your mom and I see it and you should too. It's obvious that he's in love with you but he's not trying to force that emotion on you and I think that's sweet. Though you didn't answer my question, are you interested in him?" Alya asked again.
"No not in the way you're implying I just see him as one of my best friends." Marinette replied but deep down she knew she wasn't saying the entire truth.
"Mhm sure." Alya replied not really believing her.
At that moment Adrien walked in with Chloe. "Mari - Oh hi Alya I didn't know you were here but I'm glad so you can also be aware that Chloe is going to be my assistant and a new hair stylist and makeup artist for the company."
"Really that's great." Alya replied.
"Welcome to CG Chloe and I'm glad that we were able to meet in better circumstances as the first time was when Juleka passed away." Marinette replied.
Chloe nodded. "I agree with you Marinette, especially since Plagg always says great things about you."
Marinette smiled. "I'm glad to hear that."
Later Plagg introduced Chloe to Lila and explained everything. "Well welcome to the company Chloe let me know if you ever need anything. Excuse me, I have to go back to work." Lila walked away.
"There's something about her that I don't like." Chloe stated.
"Marinette and I feel the same way but everyone else sees her as an angel. Anyway I need you to give these documents to Luka to sign. It's very important and I'll see you in the office." Adrien said while handing Chloe a folder.
Chloe took it. "Sure thing." She walked to Luka's office.
At that moment Adrien's phone rang and Adrien answered. "Hello?"
"Hi Plagg, it's Emilie. I know that it's kinda last minute but I want to invite you Marinette and Hugo over for dinner. Though don't tell Marinette I want it to be a surprise." Emilie stated.
Adrien smiled. "Of course we'll go over for dinner and don't worry I won't tell her."
Philip walked into Marinette's office. "Marinette, I want to apologize for what I did again. I just wanted to help you."
Marinette sighs. "I'm aware of that Phillip and I appreciate it but when I say something dealing with my family I mean it. Especially dealing with my son."
"I know and I promise you that I won't do it again." Philip said while putting a hand over hers.
Marinette smiled. "Thanks and don't worry I already forgave you."
The door was opened and Adrien was about to walk in but he saw that Philip's hand was over her hand and they were smiling at each other so he quickly walked to his office in sadness without them noticing him.
Chloe was inside organizing some folders. "Luka signed the documents and he also welcomed me to the com- hey what's wrong?"
Adrien sighs sitting at his desk. "I went to Marinette's office and I saw Philip holding her hand and them smiling at each other. I have no doubt now that she has some feelings for him."
"You can't assume that just by what you saw." Chloe replied.
"But I am sure and the worst part is that I can't do anything about it in this disguise." Adrien stated while dropping his head on the desk not caring about the pain he was feeling.
"Why don't you take the day off to clear your head?" Chloe suggested.
Adrien lifted his head. "Maybe that's for the best but I don't know anymore. I also have to find a way to take Marinette and Hugo to my parents house as my mom is planning a dinner for us."
"Go on and clear your head I'll help you so Marinette goes to your parents house with Hugo." Chloe stated. "I'll also take care of everything you have to do today."
Adrien smiled. "Thanks Chloe."
Luka was working in his office with Kagami. "Do I have any dinner meetings tonight?"
Kagami looked at his schedule. "No, you have one tomorrow."
"That's good because we have an important conversation over dinner tonight." Luka said while giving Kagami a flower.
Kagami took the flower with a smile. "You mean about forming a family? "
"Yes I think it's about time we talk about it now as we will be very busy with the project." Luka replied. "Not to mention that you're going to be in Japan for a few weeks."
Kagami nodded. "I agree that we need to have this conversation now rather than later."
That night Adrien went to the mansion after clearing his head. He was still sad but he was willing to fight for Marinette's love as best as he could. He was surprised to see Marinette already there waiting for him with Hugo.
"Hey Plagg Chloe told me that you had to leave early because of an emergency but that you wanted me home early for something." Marinette stated.
Adrien nodded. "Yes I have a surprise for you and Hugo but we have to go to it."
"A surprise? What is it?" Hugo asked excitedly.
"If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise anymore." Adrien said with a smile. "You'll have to come with me to find out."
Marinette and Hugo smiled as they followed Adrien. Soon they arrived at the Agreste mansion and Marinette looked at Adrien confused. "What are we doing here Plagg?"
"This is the surprise. Emilie set up a dinner for us and she wanted me to bring you and Hugo without telling you about it." Adrien replied with a smile.
Marinette smiled back as they walked in. "That's such a nice surprise."
Emilie was waiting for them in the hall and Hugo ran to her. "Grandma Emilie!"
Emilie hugged him. "I'm so happy to see you, Hugo. I heard what happened. Are you okay?"
Hugo nodded. "Yes Plagg saved me."
"That's good to hear." Emilie replied.
Marinette and Adrien walked over to her. "Thank you for inviting us for dinner Emilie."
"Of course Marinette, it was my pleasure." Emilie said with a smile.
"I hope you received the flowers and chocolates I sent you Emilie." Adrien stated.
Emilie nodded. "Yes I did. Thank you Plagg but how did you know that they were my favorite flowers and chocolates?"
"A little birdie told me." Adrien replied with a smile. "So what is the occasion for inviting us for dinner?"
"With Gabriel gone to the United States for a fashion show I have been feeling a bit lonely and I thought why not invite my family." Emilie replied.
"Why didn't you go to the United States with Gabriel?" Marinette asked.
"I wanted to but I had to stay to film some scenes." Emilie replied.
Soon they were enjoying their dinner together.
When Marinette Adrien and Hugo arrived home they were surprised to see Philip waiting outside the door.
"Phillip, what are you doing here?" Marinette asked, confused as she let him in.
"I just thought about visiting you and bringing Hugo a gift." Philip replied.
"A gift? What is it?" Hugo asked excitedly.
Phillip took out a new soccer ball with the logo of Hugo's favorite team. "A new soccer ball."
"Wow, it's awesome! Thank you!" Hugo said while hugging Phillip.
Philip hugged back. "Of course buddy."
Adrien knew that this was part of a plan because Philip was never so nice to Hugo before and he doubted his mind changed so suddenly.
"That was very kind of you." Marinette stated. "Thank you."
"It was my pleasure. I like seeing your family being happy. Now I should go, I'll see you later." Philip said before leaving the house. Just then he got a phone call. "Hello?"
"I hate that we aren't on good terms right now and I thought maybe you should come over so we can make up." Lila said over the phone seductively.
"Lila, stop calling me on the phone constantly. You're starting to become the goth who wouldn't let me alone a single second of the day." Philip said, irritated.
"It's the second time you compare me to the goth and I don't like it." Lila said sternly.
"What do you want?" Philip asked.
"Since you don't plan to come over let me remind you of the guarantee that you owe me." Lila replied. "A wedding ring."
"I promise I will bye." Philip hangs up.
Lila glares at the phone. "The only reason I dealt with you for so long was because of the money I would receive from you but don't break my patience or you really will know what I'm capable of."
Phillip smirks at himself. "You'll have to wait for a long time Lila as I only plan to marry Marinette."
"Over dinner I realized I haven't spent enough time with my mom like I should have." Adrien told Nathaniel over the phone while being in his room.
"I know it's risky but maybe you should tell her the truth." Nathaniel suggested. "I'm sure she'll keep it a secret."
"I did think of that but I don't want to cause her any conflicts. She loves me but she hates being lied to or lying and I don't know how she'll react." Adrien replied. "Right now I need to find a way to get into Philip's house for evidence in my favor."
"I know but it's going to be hard without Juleka." Nathaniel stated.
"I still have the CD I found. Maybe someone in CG can help me understand the coding." Adrien replied.
The next day Adrien was putting the CD in his computer at his office. "Isn't it risky to bring it here?"
"Yes but maybe it can only be read by using the CG system." Adrien replied. "Though I wasn't able to last time." The CD only showed codes that Adrien didn't understand.
"You should hurry up, the meeting is about to start soon." Chloe stated.
"Let them know that I'll be about 10 minutes late." Adrien replied.
"Okay just remember to not leave that CD out in the open." Chloe stated before leaving the office.
Soon the door opened and Jake walked in. "Mr. Noir, I was told that you needed help with your computer?"
"Yes I need help unlocking a code but right now I need to attend a meeting. Can you come back later?" Adrien asked.
"Yes I can." Jake replied before leaving the office.
Adrien hid the CD before heading to the meeting.
"Now that you are all aware of the brands that want to work with us in the Miraculous Ladybug project. It is important for us to study them to decide which brands will work best for Lucky Charm beach and the other locations." Marinette told everyone in the meeting.
"Yes as well as transportation for all the locations and to make sure that we have all the permissions necessary." Luka added.
"I also want to comment on the lack of communication between us and Lucky Charm beach." Marinette replied. "I have been doing my part so they are aware of everything we have planned, however some of the areas aren't giving me the information needed to tell them and a lot of the events they aren't aware of since the department of marketing isn't inviting them."
"So I'm the one to blame?" Lila asked sarcastically.
"I didn't say that you did." Marinette replied.
"Well I wasn't told in time about that. What would I win by not inviting them?" Lila asked.
"I don't know but the point is that the people that were supposed to be there were not there." Marinette replied. "I'm not looking for someone to blame."
"Then what are you doing?" Lila asked.
"I'm just saying that the department of marketing did an error on not inviting the people of Lucky Charm beach." Marinette replied. "That can cause us a big conflict with the community."
"I won't let myself be responsible for an error caused by your lack of efficiency." Lila stated.
"Let's not go into an argument that has no end okay. Luka can we schedule a meeting to discuss this topic more with depth?" Marinette asked.
Luka nodded. "Yes of course. Is there any other topic that needs to be discussed right now?" No one answered. "Okay in that case the meeting is over and we can all go back to work."
Later Adrien looked for the CD but he couldn't find it. He looked everywhere and Chloe even helped. "What did you do to it?"
"I don't know if I hid it… Near other CDs that were supposed to be sent to the other directors of the company. If the secretaries came during the meeting and they took it by mistake then either Luka, Nino, Philip, Marinette or Lila have it." Adrien said in a panic.
"If Phillip has it then it's all over now not to mention that he'll wonder how it got there. Though if Nino, Marinette or Luka has it then maybe it's not a bad thing especially if it has evidence in your favor or something against Philip. I don't know what Lila would do if she has it though." Chloe stated. "Though maybe it's still here and it just fell or you placed it somewhere else without realizing it in the hurry to get to the meeting."
Adrien nodded as they continued to look for the CD but it was nowhere in the office.
Lila was in her office on a phone call as she was putting a CD in her computer. What she saw didn't make any sense to her; it was code nonsense. She finished the phone call and looked at her computer really confused. "What is this?"
She quickly called Mylene. "Mylene, call Jake to come into my office immediately. My computer is acting weird."
"Okay-" Was all Mylene could say before Lila cut the call.
"I can't believe that I lost that CD. It was the only hint that I had left in hopes of finding evidence in my favor." Adrien said as he sat on his chair defeated.
Chloe sat across from him. "All that we can do now is hope that it's in the right hands and not the wrong ones. Plus we don't even know what was in that disk. It might not have been important. Don't worry we will find evidence in your favor that's why I came to work with you."