Officer Dubois arrived at the hospital to obtain Adrien's statement regarding the shooting, but found Adrien still unconscious. He then noticed Gabriel in the waiting area and approached him.

"Mr. Agreste," Dubois began, "I'm here to get Adrien's declaration about the incident. It seems he's still out of it."

Gabriel's demeanor was stern and resolute. "I'd like to formally accuse Marinette Dupain-Cheng of attempting to murder my son."

Dubois raised an eyebrow. "Did Adrien tell you this himself?"

Gabriel hesitated for a moment before answering. "Yes, Adrien did tell me. He said Marinette was the one who shot him."

Dubois's expression remained neutral. "Actually, Marinette confessed to the delegation that she was the one holding the gun when it discharged."

Gabriel's eyes widened slightly, betraying his surprise. "She confessed?"

"Yes," Dubois confirmed. "Marinette took full responsibility for the shooting, we can proceed with the charges. If what you say is true."

Gabriel's face hardened. "Even if she confessed, I want her charged with the maximum penalty. This is a serious crime, and she needs to face the consequences."

Dubois nodded, acknowledging Gabriel's position. "Understood. I assure you, we'll follow through with the appropriate legal actions based on the evidence and statements we collect."

Gabriel, though taken aback by the confession, felt a grim satisfaction knowing that Marinette would face consequences. He took solace in the thought that justice, however delayed, would be served.

In her cell, Marinette's mind was haunted by the kiss she had shared with Adrien. Despite her overwhelming guilt and despair, she couldn't escape the undeniable truth: she had enjoyed the kiss. It was a fleeting moment of connection that contrasted sharply with the deep ache of her current reality.

Marinette hated to admit that she had found solace and even pleasure in that kiss, especially given her past. Jay had left her standing at the altar, breaking her heart and shattering her trust. Since then, she had vowed never to open her heart to love again. She had promised herself that she would remain guarded, not letting anyone in to cause her more pain.

But Adrien's kiss had stirred feelings she thought she had buried deep within. It was a poignant reminder of what she had once hoped for and lost. The emotional conflict left her feeling even more isolated and regretful.

Just then, two officers arrived to escort her to Officer Dubois's office. Marinette's heart sank as she prepared for the grim news ahead. When they reached Dubois's office, he was seated behind his desk, a solemn expression on his face.

"Ms. Dupain-Cheng," Dubois began, "I'm here to inform you that you will be transferred to an all-women's prison due to the charges of attempted murder of Adrien Agreste."

Marinette's face went pale. "Did Adrien formally accuse me? I thought he was unconscious."

Dubois shook his head. "In such cases, it's not necessary for the victim to make a formal accusation. The evidence and confessions are sufficient for the charges. You'll need to arrange for legal representation, which is ironic given that Adrien was your lawyer."

The realization that Adrien, who had once been her self claimed lawyer and whom she had betrayed, was now a part of the case against her struck her deeply. The irony was not lost on her, and she felt a surge of bitterness and regret.

Dubois's voice softened slightly. "I suggest you find another lawyer as soon as possible. The legal process will proceed, and you'll need to be prepared."

As the officers escorted her back to her cell, Marinette struggled with the painful memories and the weight of her actions. The kiss with Adrien had been a fleeting moment of emotional connection that clashed sharply with the promises she had made to herself and the devastating consequences of her current situation.

In the Dupain-Cheng mansion, Mei was going about her evening when her phone rang. Seeing Marinette's name on the caller ID, she answered quickly.

"Aunt Mei, it's Marinette," came the distressed voice from the other end. "I'm calling to let you know that I've been arrested. They're charging me with attempted murder of Adrien Agreste."

Mei's heart sank. "What happened, Marinette?"

Marinette explained the situation, recounting the accidental discharge of the gun and the subsequent confession that led to her arrest. She requested Mei to contact Mike Sparks to help with her legal representation.

"I need you to call Mike Sparks and get him involved," Marinette pleaded. "I'm really scared and I don't know what to do."

"I'll handle it," Mei assured her. "Stay strong. I'll get in touch with him right away."

After ending the call, Mei turned to Lila and Tikki, who had been in the room with her.

"Lila, Tikki, we have a situation," Mei said, her voice grave. "Marinette has been arrested and is being charged with attempted murder. She's asked us to contact Mike Sparks for legal assistance."

Tikki's eyes were filled with concern. "This is terrible. We need to support Marinette through this difficult time."

Lila, who had been listening intently, put on a mask of sympathy. "Oh no, this is awful. Poor Marinette. We should do whatever we can to help."

However, beneath her outward appearance of concern, Lila's mind was racing with thoughts of how she might exploit the situation. She saw an opportunity to further manipulate events to her advantage, considering the potential benefits for herself in the unfolding drama.

Mei focused on the immediate need to handle the situation. "I'm going to call Mike now. We need to ensure Marinette gets the best legal support possible."

As Mei left the room to make the call, Tikki and Lila were left alone. Tikki's worry was evident, Lila, meanwhile, smirked inwardly, already plotting how she could turn this crisis to her favor while maintaining her outward appearance of concern.

In the hospital room, Adrien slowly regained consciousness, his body feeling like it had been crushed under the weight of a train. Gabriel was sitting by his bedside, his expression a mix of concern and composure.

"How are you feeling, Adrien?" Gabriel asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Adrien weakly replied, "Like a train ran over me. How long have you been here?"

Gabriel checked his watch and said, "A couple of hours."

Adrien's gaze shifted, trying to focus. "Where's Marinette? Is she okay?"

Gabriel's face hardened slightly. "Don't worry about her. Marinette is getting punished for what she did."

Adrien tried to sit up, wincing from the pain. "But it was an accident. She didn't mean to—"

Gabriel cut him off, dismissing Adrien's concerns. "It's too late for that. She's already facing consequences. I need to go home and check on Emilie."

Gabriel stood up, giving Adrien one last, stern look before leaving the room.

As soon as Gabriel was out of sight, Adrien, despite his physical pain and weakness, attempted to get out of bed. He knew he had something urgent to address. His movements were slow and labored, but determination fueled him as he struggled to overcome the agony in his body.

In the quiet of their home, Gabriel sat beside Emilie, his face lined with grim resolve.

"Nothing will save Marinette from prison now," he declared, his tone final. "Not even money. She must face the consequences for what she did."

Emilie, her expression a mix of concern and suggestion, said, "Perhaps Adrien could handle the situation. He might be able to influence things from his side."

Gabriel shook his head firmly. "No, Emilie. Marinette will pay for her actions. It's too late for leniency, even from Adrien. She must face justice for what she has done."

Later Lila arrived at the Agreste mansion, her demeanor carefully crafted to convey both sympathy and remorse. She was greeted by Gabriel in the opulent foyer, and her eyes were wide with a mixture of concern and distress.

"Mr. Agreste," Lila began, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke, "I'm so deeply sorry for what Marinette did to Adrien. It's heartbreaking to see him in this state. I can't even begin to imagine what you and your family are going through."

Gabriel's stern facade softened as he looked at her, though his eyes remained wary. "Thank you, Lila. It's been a very challenging time for us, especially Adrien. We're still trying to come to terms with everything."

Lila took a deep breath, affecting a sorrowful expression. "I wanted to come here in person to express my support and let you know how much I care. I've been thinking a lot about Adrien and how he's been suffering."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "It's kind of you to come by. Your support is appreciated."

Lila hesitated, then decided to reveal her deeper feelings. "There's something I need to confess. I've always harbored feelings for Adrien. I've admired him for a long time, and this situation has only made me realize how much I want to be there for him."

Gabriel's interest was piqued, his expression thoughtful. "Is that so? Adrien could use all the support he can get right now. But it's not just about showing sympathy—it's about making a meaningful impression."

Lila nodded earnestly. "Exactly. I want to be someone he can rely on, someone who truly cares."

Gabriel studied her for a moment, then said, "I believe I can help you with that. There are ways to make your support more visible and impactful. If you're serious about being there for him, we can work together on this."

Lila's eyes brightened with a mixture of hope and calculation. "I'd really appreciate that, Mr. Agreste. I want to show Adrien that I'm here for him, and that I'm committed to helping him through this difficult time."

As they spoke, both Gabriel and Lila were secretly plotting. Gabriel saw an opportunity to use Lila's affections to potentially manipulate Adrien's recovery and attitude, while Lila saw a chance to ingratiate herself with Gabriel and further her own interests. Neither were aware of the other's true intentions, their conversation masked by layers of deceit and manipulation.

Marinette was taken to officer Dubois office, her thoughts clouded with anxiety as she awaited her transfer. Officer Dubois wanted to check on her before the move.

"Ms. Dupain-Cheng," Dubois said, "have you managed to find a lawyer yet?"

Before Marinette could respond, the door burst open, and Adrien stumbled into the room, clutching his side in obvious pain. His face was a mix of determination and discomfort as he made his way towards her.

"What are you doing here, Adrien?" Marinette asked sternly, her concern mingled with frustration. "You should be recovering, not up and about."

Adrien smiled weakly, despite the evident pain. "I couldn't stay away. I needed to make sure things were handled properly. I'm here to speak with Officer Dubois."

Dubois, who had been observing the interaction with a neutral expression, nodded in agreement. "Alright, I'll give you a moment."

He gestured for Marinette to be escorted back to her cell. As she was led away, she threw one last worried glance at Adrien, who was now engaged in a quiet conversation with Dubois.

With the door closing behind her, Marinette's heart raced, filled with uncertainty about what Adrien's presence might mean for her case.

Once Marinette was taken back to her cell and the door closed behind them, Adrien looked at Officer Dubois with a serious expression.

"Thank you for speaking with me," Adrien began, his voice low and earnest. "I need to clear something up about the shooting."

Dubois raised an eyebrow, gesturing for Adrien to continue.

Adrien took a deep breath as to what he was about to say was a lie in the truth. "Marinette didn't shoot me intentionally. It was an accident. The real reason was that I tried to take advantage of her, and she acted in self-defense."

Dubois's expression shifted from neutrality to surprise. "Are you saying she shot you in self-defense?"

Adrien nodded, his eyes meeting Dubois's with a mixture of determination and urgency. "Yes. I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's the truth. She was defending herself from my advances."

Dubois considered Adrien's words carefully. If what Adrien said was true, it would significantly alter the legal implications for Marinette. The confession was a critical twist in the case.

"Alright," Dubois said finally, his tone indicating the gravity of the situation. "If this is the case, Marinette's actions could be seen in a different light."

Adrien nodded, relieved. "I appreciate it. I just want to make sure Marinette is treated fairly."

Dubois left the room, heading straight for the necessary channels to review Adrien's statement. After a thorough investigation and corroboration of Adrien's account, Dubois was able to clear Marinette of the charges.

Later, Marinette was summoned to Officer Dubois's office. When she walked in, he looked at her with a more sympathetic expression.

"Ms. Dupain-Cheng," Dubois said, "after reviewing the new information, we've determined that the shooting was indeed an act of self-defense. The charges against you are being dropped, and you're free to go."

Marinette's eyes widened in shock of self defense part and relief. "Thank you, Officer Dubois. I—I don't know how to thank you enough."

Dubois nodded. "Just take care of yourself, Ms. Dupain-Cheng. This ordeal has been difficult for everyone involved."

As Marinette walked out of the police station, the weight of her ordeal lifted, she couldn't help but feel a deep gratitude towards Adrien for his unexpected intervention, even as she remained conflicted about the circumstances that led to it.

She found Adrien waiting outside. She marched up to him, her face a mixture of relief and exasperation.

"Adrien, what were you thinking? leaving the hospital like that? You should be resting!" Marinette scolded, her voice filled with concern.

Adrien chuckled softly. "I couldn't stay away. I'm glad you're free now. By the way, could you give me a ride home?"

Marinette, still fuming but grateful, nodded. "Alright. Let's go."

They drove to the Agreste mansion in silence, the tension between them slowly easing. Once they arrived and parked, Marinette turned to Adrien.

"Why did you defend me?" she asked, her curiosity evident.

Adrien met her gaze calmly. "I knew it was an accident. I wanted to make sure you weren't punished for something you didn't mean to do. Plus, it was important for me that the truth came out."

Marinette smiled, touched by his honesty. "Thank you, Adrien. I appreciate it."

Adrien's eyes lit up. "So, can we finally be friends now?"

Marinette hesitated for a moment, then nodded with a bright smile. "Yes, I'd like that."

Just then, Nathan came running up to them, his face beaming with excitement. "Adrien! You're home!"

Adrien's face softened as he crouched down to meet the boy. "Hey, Nathan! It's good to see you."

Nathan eagerly helped Adrien towards the house, chattering excitedly. Marinette watched, feeling a mix of happiness and relief as Adrien was taken inside. She then drove away, her heart lighter with the promise of new beginnings.

Adrien walked into Emilie's room, moving slowly as his body still ached from the ordeal. Emilie was propped up in bed, her eyes widening in shock as she saw him.

"What are you doing here, Adrien? You're supposed to be at the hospital!" she exclaimed, concern etched on her face.

"I couldn't stay there," Adrien replied, his voice slightly strained. "I needed to make sure justice was served."

Emilie gestured for him to come closer. "Lay down next to me. You need to rest."

He obliged, sinking into the soft sheets beside her. Emilie studied him closely, worry evident in her gaze. "How did you get home?"

"Marinette brought me," he said, his heart warming at the mention of her name.

Emilie's expression shifted to curiosity. "What exactly happened?"

Adrien took a deep breath, remembering the chaos of the day. "It was an accident. The gun discharged when Marinette was trying to take it away from Philip."

Emilie's pride swelled. "I'm glad you defended her. But why go to such lengths?"

Adrien hesitated, then confessed, "Because I'm in love with Marinette."

Unbeknownst to them, Gabriel stood on the other side of the door, tension rippling through him at Adrien's revelation. He didn't like what he was hearing, a storm brewing within him as he processed his son's feelings for Marinette.

Gabriel stepped into the room, his expression carefully neutral. "What are you doing here, Adrien? You're supposed to be at the hospital."

Adrien shifted slightly, wincing. "I couldn't stay there knowing that mom was still unwell."

Gabriel's brow furrowed. "You still shouldn't have come here. You need to focus on your recovery."

"I know, but I had to be with my family," Adrien replied, his determination evident despite his pain.

Gabriel took a deep breath, masking his frustration. "Now that you're here, I'll take care of my family and make sure that no one harms it again." He moved to Adrien's side, gently helping him to his feet. "Let's get you back to your room."

With Gabriel's support, Adrien leaned heavily on him as they walked slowly towards his room. The pain was sharp, but the reassurance of his father's presence gave him some comfort, even as Gabriel's mind raced with conflicting thoughts about what he had just overheard.

When Marinette arrived home, she was greeted by Mei and Tikki, both of whom rushed over with expressions of relief and joy.

"Marinette! You're back!" Mei exclaimed, her eyes brightening. "We were so worried about you!"

Tikki chimed in, "What happened? Are you okay? We heard about everything!"

Marinette smiled faintly but felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her. "I'm really tired right now. I'll explain everything later, I promise."

Without waiting for more questions, she made her way to her room, needing a moment to collect her thoughts. As she closed the door behind her, she leaned against it, grateful for the warmth of home but overwhelmed by the events of the day.

Later that day Gabriel entered Adrien's room, his expression serious. "Did Lila bring you home?"

Adrien shook his head. "No, why do you think that?"

Gabriel crossed his arms. "She was so worried about you and ashamed of what Marinette did. She went to see you at the hospital."

Adrien felt a surge of irritation at the mention of Lila. "It wasn't her Dad. I'm just glad Marinette is free from all charges and home right now. Don't forget that the incident was an accident."

Gabriel's expression darkened, fury flashing in his eyes. "Marinette won't get away with this. She'll pay for what she did."

Adrien sighed, his heart sinking as Gabriel stormed out of the room. He knew his father would never admit he was wrong about Marinette, and it frustrated him to no end. All he wanted was for him to see the truth.

As Gabriel reached the door of the Agreste mansion, he was momentarily stopped by Lila, who approached with an expression carefully crafted to convey concern.

"Mr. Agreste," she said in her sweetest tone, "may I see Adrien? I heard from Luka that he's back home from the hospital."

Gabriel regarded her for a moment, noting the earnestness in her voice. "Of course, Lila. I'm sure you'll cheer him up. He's been in quite a bit of pain from his wound."

Lila smiled, a mix of gratitude and calculated charm on her face. "Thank you, Mr. Agreste. I'll make sure to be there for him."

Gabriel nodded and excused himself, leaving Lila to make her way toward Adrien's room. As he stepped out, he couldn't shake the feeling of possibility that lingered in the air.

Lila entered Adrien's room with a bright smile, her tone intentionally flirty. "Hey, Adrien! How are you feeling?"

Adrien looked up, returning her smile politely. "I'm doing well, considering the circumstances."

Lila's expression shifted slightly as she leaned in closer. "I can't believe Marinette shot you. It's like she's becoming completely unhinged!"

Adrien frowned, shaking his head. "It was an accident. She didn't mean to—"

"Still," Lila interrupted, her voice dripping with faux concern, "even if it was an accident, she's out of her mind. And it's all because of Jay."

Confused, Adrien repeated, "Jay?"

Lila nodded eagerly. "Yes! The guy who stood her up at the altar. Can you imagine? It must have really messed with her head."

Adrien's brow furrowed as he processed her words. "I didn't know about that…"

Lila feigned a dramatic gasp, placing a hand over her forehead as if she might swoon. "Oh no, what have I done? Talking about Marinette like this is too much for me!"

Adrien raised an eyebrow, unsure whether to laugh or be concerned. "Lila, are you okay?"

She quickly recovered, flashing him a bright smile. "I'm fine! Just a little overwhelmed, you know? It's a lot of drama to unpack."

Adrien chuckled lightly, trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah, it definitely is."

Lila leaned in closer, her expression earnest again. "But seriously, I hope you'll keep this between us. I just want what's best for everyone involved."

"Of course," Adrien replied, feeling the weight of her words. He didn't want to betray Marinette's trust, but Lila's insistence made him uneasy.

Gabriel stormed into Officer Dubois's office at the delegation, his face a mask of fury. "I demand that you arrest Marinette Dupain-Cheng again for attempted murder! She shot my son, and that's unforgivable!"

Officer Dubois remained calm, attempting to defuse the situation. "Mr. Agreste, I understand your anger, but we're still investigating the matter. Adrien's recovery is our priority right now."

Gabriel's voice rose, filled with indignation. "This isn't just about his recovery! What about justice? She needs to pay for what she did!"

After several failed attempts to pacify Gabriel, Dubois finally sighed, knowing he had to present the new information. "Mr. Agreste, I need you to listen. Adrien has declared that he was trying to take advantage of Marinette, and that she shot him in self-defense."

Gabriel froze, disbelief washing over him. "What? That can't be true! Adrien wouldn't say that!"

Dubois met his gaze steadily. "I assure you, it is true. If this statement stands, it will mean that Marinette acted to protect herself. That would shift the legal implications significantly—if anyone should be arrested, it would be Adrien, not Marinette."

He turned on his heel and stormed out of the office, his mind racing. Gabriel couldn't comprehend his son's motivations, but one thing was clear:

Gabriel's shock morphed into confusion and anger. "What was Adrien thinking? Why would he lie about something like this?"

Lila leaned in closer to Adrien, her expression turning serious. "You promise me you'll stay silent about what I just told you? It's really important."

With a gentle smile, Adrien nodded. "Of course, I'll stay silent. It all makes sense to me now."

Confused, Lila raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Adrien's compassionate smile widened. "I understand why Marinette has always seemed so cold and distant. It must have been hard for her to deal with everything after Jay."

Lila's heart raced, realizing her plan was slipping away. "But—"

Before she could continue her attack on Marinette, the door swung open, revealing Gabriel with Luka.

"Adrien!" Luka said, relief flooding his voice. "I came to check on you."

Seeing Gabriel's stern expression, Lila quickly straightened up, masking her disappointment. "I should, um, get going," she said, her facade faltering.

Gabriel shot her a wary look before turning to Adrien. "Let's talk in private."

As Lila slipped out of the room with Gabriel, she felt the weight of her failed manipulation. In the hallway, she exchanged glances with Gabriel, both of them realizing that the dynamics were shifting, and their plans might not unfold as they had hoped.

Tikki gently pushed open the door to Marinette's room, balancing a steaming cup of tea in her hands. "Here you go, Marinette. I thought you could use this," she said, placing it on the bedside table.

Marinette took a sip, her brow furrowed in thought. "I just don't understand Adrien's kindness, especially after everything that happened. Why would he defend me?"

Tikki smiled knowingly. "It's because he loves you, Marinette."

Marinette rolled her eyes, frustration bubbling up. "Oh please, Tikki. All men are the same. They say one thing and do another. I won't love Adrien or any other man."

Tikki frowned slightly, sensing the hurt beneath Marinette's words. "But not every man is like that. Adrien genuinely cares about you."

"Caring doesn't change the past," Marinette replied, her tone sharp. "I've been hurt before, and I'm not opening myself up to that again."

Tikki watched her closely. "You deserve happiness, Marinette. It doesn't have to be like before."

Marinette sighed, looking out the window. "Maybe, but I'd rather stay guarded. It's safer that way."

After Tikki left, Lila walked in with a bright smile. "I'm so glad everything's cleared up, Marinette! It's great that you're back home."

Marinette raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, you're so glad you weren't here all day?"

Lila feigned innocence. "I was with Adrien, checking on how he was doing. He's been through so much."

Marinette's heart sank. "Right..."

Lila leaned closer, her expression shifting to something more earnest. "You know, I've realized I'm in love with him."

Marinette's chest tightened. "You? Lila, really?"

Lila nodded, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I just thought you should know. You wouldn't want to make things awkward between us, right?"

Marinette shot her a wary glance. "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, nothing," Lila said, a smirk playing on her lips. "Just that you're not one to stir up trouble, especially not with family."

As Marinette stared out the window, she felt the weight of Lila's words. "Maybe," she sighed. "But I'm not ready to let anyone in, especially not someone like Adrien."

That night, Gabriel sat with Emilie, recounting his conversation with Officer Dubois. "He insisted that Adrien declared he tried to take advantage of Marinette," Gabriel said, frowning.

Emilie laughed lightly. "Adrien? He would never do something like that."

Gabriel's brow furrowed. "Do you think it's possible he's in love with Marinette?"

Emilie shrugged, carefully guarding Adrien's secret. "Even if he is, Marinette is a good person."

"Good?" Gabriel scoffed. "She's arrogant and nearly killed Adrien!"

"Gabriel, that was an accident," Emilie reminded him gently. "I think you don't like her because she won't be controlled by your words, unlike everyone else." Emilie paused, then added, "Well, I'm the exception, of course. But Marinette... She's strong in her own way."

Gabriel fell silent, contemplating Emilie's words.

The next day, Nino rushed into the Agreste mansion, his face a mix of concern and urgency. He had just found out about the incident and couldn't wait to check on his friend.

"Adrien!" he called, finding him in his room, looking worn but determined. "What the heck happened? I just heard!"

Adrien looked up, relief flooding his expression. "Nino! I'm okay—just a bit bruised and tired."

Nino settled onto the edge of the bed, his voice serious. "But Marinette shot you! That's insane! Is she alright?"

"It was an accident," Adrien explained, his voice steady. "She didn't mean to hurt me. We were trying to handle a situation, and it spiraled out of control."

Nino raised an eyebrow, remembering their earlier conversations. "And you still care about her? Even after everything?"

Adrien nodded, determination in his eyes. "Absolutely. I can't let her take the blame for something that was never her fault. I love her, Nino."

Nino grinned, leaning back with a knowing look. "I knew it! You've been into her for ages. I'm glad you're standing up for her."

"Thanks," Adrien said, feeling lighter. "It just feels right to defend her, especially now that she's in such a tough spot."

Nino's expression turned serious again. "Just watch out for Lila. I heard she's been hanging around."

Adrien sighed, the unease creeping back in. "Yeah, I've noticed. She's trying to get close, and I'm not sure what her motives are."

"Focus on Marinette," Nino urged. "She's the one you want to be with. Make sure she knows you're in her corner, no matter what."

"I will," Adrien said earnestly. "I just want to make sure she feels safe and supported."

As they continued talking, Adrien felt a surge of gratitude for Nino's support. It reminded him that even amidst the chaos, he had friends who understood him.

Gabriel arrived at Marinette's house, his expression a storm of anger and determination. He knocked sharply on the door, and when Marinette opened it, surprise flickered across her face.

"Mr. Agreste, what are you doing here?" she asked, trying to mask her unease.

"Marinette," he began, his voice cold and authoritative, "I'm here to make one thing clear. You need to stay away from Adrien. If you don't, I'll ensure that your bakeries and any other properties you own face bankruptcy."

Marinette's heart raced, but she stood her ground. "You can't threaten me like that! I won't let you control my life."

Gabriel stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "You don't understand the trouble you could bring down on Adrien. He's not safe around you."

"What are you talking about?" she shot back, crossing her arms defiantly. "I didn't do anything wrong! It was an accident!"

Gabriel's tone shifted slightly as he added, "Adrien declared that he was trying to take advantage of you when you shot him. He's claiming it was self-defense."

Marinette's breath hitched. "What? Why would he say that? That's not true!"

"Because he cares about you, and he's trying to protect you," Gabriel replied, frustration evident in his voice. "But it's a dangerous game. If anyone finds out the truth, it could ruin him."

"Cares about me?" Marinette scoffed, shaking her head. "Adrien doesn't have feelings for me! He was just trying to help. This is all a misunderstanding."

Gabriel pressed on, "He risked everything for you. That says something about his feelings."

Marinette's confusion deepened, anger boiling inside her. "I refuse to believe that! And even if he did, it doesn't matter. I can't afford to get hurt again, and I won't let him put himself in danger for me!"

Gabriel stepped forward, lowering his voice. "This isn't just about you. You have no idea what could happen if you don't heed my warning."

"Maybe I don't," Marinette replied, her voice steady. "But I'm not backing down. If Adrien wants to support me, that's his choice."

With that, she turned away from him, her heart pounding. Gabriel, realizing he was losing control of the situation, clenched his jaw, the tension between them palpable. As he turned to leave, Marinette felt the weight of the truth heavy in the air, even as she denied her own feelings for Adrien, determined to keep her heart guarded.

Adrien sat in the hospital room, the sterile air heavy around him as he waited for Luka. When Luka entered, dressed in his doctor's coat, Adrien felt a sense of relief.

"Hey, Luka.," Adrien said, shifting slightly to ease his discomfort.

"Hi Adrien. How are you feeling?" Luka asked, moving to examine Adrien's wounds.

"I'm hanging in there," Adrien replied, though his thoughts were preoccupied with Marinette. After a moment, he ventured, "I wanted to ask you about Marinette's past. I've been thinking about her a lot lately."

Luka's expression grew serious. "Marinette has had a tough time. She's dealt with a lot of heartache."

Adrien leaned in, eager for more information. "What do you mean? Is she okay?"

"She had a relationship that really impacted her," Luka explained, his tone cautious. "It ended badly, and it left her feeling vulnerable."

"Is that about Jay?" Adrien asked, recalling snippets of the conversation with Lila. "Lila told me that she had a past with someone named Jay."

Luka nodded, though he looked hesitant. "Yeah, Jay was significant in her life. But it wasn't just that; it ended on a really sour note."

"What happened?" Adrien pressed, concerned for Marinette.

"Jay wasn't honest with her," Luka said. "He stood her up at the altar and that hurt her deeply, but there's more to it."

Adrien frowned, feeling anger swell inside him. "What do you mean by 'more'?"

Luka took a deep breath. "Lila was involved. There was an affair between her and Jay. Marinette had no idea."

Adrien's eyes widened in disbelief. "Lila? How could she do that to Marinette?"

"Lila knew exactly how to manipulate the situation," Luka replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "It was a betrayal from two people she trusted."

Adrien felt his heart race. "Does Marinette know about this?"

"I don't think so," Luka said. "At least not from me. But she deserves to know the truth."

Adrien declared, determination flooding his words. "She needs to know what really happened."

"Just be careful, Adrien. This is a lot for her to handle," Luka cautioned.

As Sazz entered to start his treatment, Adrien's mind raced. He knew he had to protect Marinette and help her understand the betrayal she faced. The weight of the truth hung heavily in the air, and he was resolved to uncover it.

Lila stood outside the grand entrance of Kagami's mansion, a practiced smile on her face. She knocked, and a moment later, the door opened to reveal Kagami, her expression brightening.

"Lila! I didn't expect to see you," Kagami said, stepping aside to let her in.

"Of course! I wanted to check on you," Lila replied sweetly, glancing around the elegant foyer adorned with traditional decor. "How have you been?"

Kagami shrugged, her eyes shining with admiration. "Just training and studying. It's been busy, but I'm managing. What about you?"

"Oh, you know, keeping up with everything," Lila said casually. "I've been hearing some things about Adrien lately… I thought you might have some insights."

Kagami's expression brightened at the mention of Adrien. "Really? What have you heard?"

Lila leaned in slightly, feigning sincerity. "Just that he's been going through a lot. I'm worried about him. He seems distant."

Kagami nodded, her concern for Adrien evident. "Yeah, I've noticed that too. He's been focused on other things."

"Do you think it has anything to do with Marinette?" Lila asked, her tone innocent.

Kagami hesitated. "I… I don't know. I think he cares about her, but it's complicated."

"Interesting," Lila said, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "It must be hard for him. Do you think he knows how much you care about him?"

Kagami looked thoughtful. "I hope so. I want to be a good friend."

"Exactly," Lila replied, her voice dripping with feigned concern. "But maybe he needs a little reminder. You could talk to him, let him know he has your support."

Kagami nodded, feeling encouraged. "I could do that. He deserves to know I'm here for him."

"You're such a good friend, Kagami. You really are," Lila said, her smile widening. "And he could use someone like you in his life, especially now."

As they continued to chat, Lila felt a surge of satisfaction. Using Kagami's genuine feelings and loyalty to further her own social standing, she kept the facade of friendship intact. Kagami remained blissfully unaware of Lila's true motives, convinced she had found a true friend in her.

Mike Sparks arrived at Marinette's mansion, his expression serious as he stepped inside. "Marinette," he greeted, his tone suggesting urgency.

"Mike, did you find Jay?" Marinette asked, anxiety lacing her voice. "And what about the reports on my properties?"

Mike nodded, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. "Jay reached out to me. He's trying to negotiate a deal, but…"

Marinette cut him off, determination in her eyes. "The only deal I want is for Jay to go to jail. He needs to face the consequences for what he did."

Mike paused, appreciating her resolve. "I understand. I'll do everything I can to make that happen."

The air was thick with tension as Marinette steeled herself, knowing the fight ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was ready to confront the truth.