Adrien

Christmas Eve on The Liberty was quickly becoming one of Adrien's favourite events of the year.

The boat, moored along the Seine, was a dazzling spectacle of Christmas cheer. Twinkling fairy lights were strung along the railings, casting a warm golden glow over the deck. Evergreen garlands lined the edges, dotted with bright red bows, while a towering Christmas tree stood at the centre of the upper deck, its branches heavy with ornaments and candy canes. On deck, the wide open space was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a craft station, a cosy storytelling corner, and tables overflowing with sweet treats.

Adrien stood near the bow, dressed in a sharp black coat with his blue scarf wrapped around his neck. He watched as a group of children gathered near the tree, their faces alight with joy as Rose handed out small, intricately wrapped presents. Her enthusiasm was infectious, her bright laughter mixing with the sound of holiday music playing softly in the background.

He turned his gaze toward the far end, where Mr. Dupain, dressed as Santa Claus, was enthusiastically posing for photos with the children. His warm, booming laughter echoed through the space, the perfect counterpoint to the festive atmosphere. Sabine stood nearby, assisting with handing out small bags of gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate. Her gentle demeanor made every child feel at ease, and Adrien couldn't help but smile at the sight.

The Liberty felt alive, a place where warmth and happiness filled every corner. The gang was scattered throughout, each of them lending a hand in their own way. Alya was manning the storytelling corner, reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with a theatrical flair that had the kids hanging on every word. Nino was at the craft table, helping some of the older children string popcorn garlands and glue glitter onto paper snowflakes. Even Juleka, who preferred the shadows, was out and about, taking Polaroid photos of the children and their families with Santa.

Adrien moved across the deck, stopping to help here and there, though his heart wasn't entirely in it. The event was perfect—magical, even—but there was a gap he couldn't ignore. A space that only Marinette could fill.

He glanced toward the gangway, half-expecting to see her walk up, a bright smile on her face and a clipboard in hand. But of course, she wasn't coming. She'd gone back to New York.

'Adrien!' Rose called, interrupting his thoughts. She waved him over, her arms laden with more presents to hand out. 'Can you help me with these? The little ones are getting restless!'

He forced a smile and crossed the room, taking the stack of gifts from her. 'Of course.'

As he handed out the presents, he let himself get lost in the children's excitement, their joy a welcome distraction from the ache in his chest.

But no matter how many smiles he saw, or how much laughter filled the air, Adrien couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was missing. Marinette wasn't here, and it left a hole that no amount of holiday cheer could fill.

He moved towards Sabine, grabbing a hot chocolate with a grateful smile. He stood to one side, allowing the steam to cloud his face. The sight of Emily chasing Sophia near the Christmas tree brought a faint smile to his lips. She looked happy, carefree, and for a moment, the heaviness in his chest lightened.

'She's having a great time,' Luka's voice broke through Adrien's thoughts as he approached, hands tucked casually in his pockets.

Adrien chuckled, nodding toward Emily. 'She is. I don't think I've ever seen her smile this much.'

The two men stood in companionable silence for a moment, watching the chaos unfold. Emily squealed as she snatched Sophia's scarf, waving it triumphantly in the air before Sophia lunged to retrieve it.

'You know,' Luka started, his voice softer now, 'next year will be different.'

Adrien's brow furrowed as he glanced at him. 'What do you mean?'

Luka smirked, shaking his head as if Adrien had missed something obvious. 'Her contract. Marinette's. There's only a year left on it. This time next Christmas, she'll be back here. With you. Where she belongs.'

He swallowed hard, the weight of those words settling over him. Next year. He'd been so focused on the ache of her absence now that he hadn't let himself imagine a future where they wouldn't have to be apart.

'Yeah,' he said, the words coming out in a whisper. He turned his gaze back to Emily and Sophia. 'Next year.'

The sight of Sophia gently tossing Emily into the air, catching her and spinning her around, brought a grin to Adrien's face. Her laugh was infectious, drawing smiles from everyone around her.

'She's good with her,' Adrien said, his tone shifting as he glanced at Luka. 'Sophia. She's like a big sister to Emily.'

Luka's expression softened, but there was something guarded in his eyes. 'She is.'

Adrien tilted his head, catching the unusual hesitation in Luka's tone. Normally, he was an open book, especially about Sophia. But today, there was a reluctance, a subtle wall Adrien hadn't seen before.

'And what about you two?' Adrien pressed, curiosity piqued. 'How's that going?'

Luka shrugged, his lips pressing into a thin line. 'It's... going.'

He raised an eyebrow. 'That's not like you. Usually, you can't stop talking about her.'

For once, Luka didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the Seine, watching the lights reflect off the water. 'Sometimes, things aren't as simple as they seem,' he said finally, his voice distant.

Adrien frowned, but didn't push further. It wasn't like Luka to be so reserved, especially about Sophia. But he knew better than to pry when he wasn't ready to talk.

'Well, whatever it is,' Adrien said, clapping him on the shoulder, 'I hope it works out. You two deserve to be happy.'

Luka's lips twitched into a faint smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. 'Thanks,' he said, his voice low.

The two men stood there in silence again, the sounds of laughter and music from below deck filling the space between them. Adrien couldn't help but glance at the tree, where Emily was now sprawled out on the floor, Sophia dramatically pretending to surrender. His thoughts drifted to Marinette, to next year, to the hope Luka's words had sparked in him.

Next year felt far away, but for the first time, Adrien allowed himself to believe it was possible. Marinette would come home. And maybe, just maybe, by then Luka would have figured out whatever was holding him back too.

He let out a long sigh, his gaze falling on his sister, who was now perched on Sophia's lap as she read a story to the children gathered around the tree. The sight tugged at his heart. Emily's bright, unfiltered joy had been a beacon through everything, but it came with its own weight.

She didn't know.

Emily believed Marinette was coming back soon, that the happily ever after she'd envisioned was already unfolding. Marinette had been there every day during her recovery, baking her favorite treats, tucking her into bed, holding her hand during the worst of it. To Emily, it was simple: Marinette was family now, just as she'd always imagined.

He wasn't sure how to tell her otherwise.

'She doesn't know, does she?' Luka's voice cut through the quiet moment.

His throat tightened as he shook his head. 'No. She thinks Marinette's just gone to New York for a couple of days and that she'll be back for Christmas.'

Luka frowned, his usual calm demeanor clouded by concern. 'And you haven't corrected her.'

'How could I?' He admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. 'She's been through so much already. I don't want to take that happiness away from her. She believes Marinette's her happily ever after, and—' He hesitated, swallowing hard. 'And so do I.'

Luka didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the small girl who was now giggling as Sophia used exaggerated voices to bring the story to life.

'She's young,' Luka said finally, his voice gentle but firm. 'She'll understand in time. And when Marinette comes back, it'll mean even more.'

Adrien sighed, his hands tightening around the mug he was holding. 'I know you're right. But it doesn't make it any easier.'

Emily's laughter rang out again, a sound so pure it almost made him forget everything else. She turned and spotted him at the railing, waving enthusiastically before yelling, 'Adrien, come join us! Sophia's being silly!'

Adrien forced a smile, lifting his hand in return. For her, he could pretend everything was perfect, even if it felt like the furthest thing from the truth.

As he started toward the group, Luka caught his arm.

'You don't have to do this alone,' Luka said, his voice steady. 'When the time comes, we'll all be here for you. For Emily.'

Adrien nodded, grateful for the support but unsure how to let go of the growing dread in his chest. Marinette wasn't just Emily's happily ever after—she was his too. And every moment she spent away felt like a piece of that dream slipping further out of reach.

But for now, he pushed the thought aside, focusing on the here and now, where Emily's laughter still rang out like the sweetest Christmas carol.

As he made his way toward Emily and the group of children gathered around the tree, Sabine intercepted him, her expression soft but her eyes heavy with meaning.

'Adrien, wait a moment,' she breathed, holding up a small, slightly crumpled envelope. 'I had this for you underneath my bookcase.'

Adrien frowned, confused. 'An envelope?'

She nodded, passing it to him with care. The paper was worn, the edges faintly yellowed with age, but it was intact. Adrien flipped it over and felt his heart stutter as he saw the messy, unmistakable handwriting on the front. Master Fu's handwriting.

'It's addressed to you,' Sabine said, her voice filled with quiet understanding. 'And look at the date.'

Adrien's fingers trembled as he tilted the envelope into the light. His breath caught when he saw the date written in the top corner: December 24th 2024. Master Fu has preempted this?

With uncertainty, he opened the letter, completely unprepared for what his master would have written, and more importantly, why? His eyes tracked the words, absorbing the sentences as he fought to piece it all together. It didn't make sense, yet he'd never read anything clearer.

Finishing, he carefully folded the worn letter and tucked it into his pocket. He turned back to Sabine, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

'You said this was under the bookcase?'

Sabine nodded, a faint smile on her lips. 'Yes. I had misplaced it. But I had it given to me years ago—five years, to be exact. I only just remembered a couple of days ago when I was clearing out some mail of my own.' She paused, her gaze turning warm and knowing. 'An old man in an interesting Hawaiian shirt left them for you. There's one for Marinette as well.'

His throat tightened, but he managed a small smile. Master Fu. He leaned in, pressing a kiss to Sabine's cheek. 'Thank you—for this, and for everything.'

He made his way across the room to where Luka and Sophia were standing near the tree. Sophia caught sight of him first, tilting her head in question as Adrien approached at speed.

'Hey, can you two look after Emily for a bit?' Adrien asked, his tone brisk but grateful. 'There's something I need to take care of.'

Luka frowned, a hint of concern flashing in his eyes. 'What's going on?'

Adrien shook his head, not ready to explain. 'I'll tell you later, I promise. But right now, I need to find Félix.'

Sophia exchanged a look with Luka, then nodded. 'We've got her. Go do what you need to do.'

He gave them both a grateful nod before turning and heading toward the far end of the boat. It didn't take him long to find Félix, who was leaning casually against the railing, gazing out at the sparkling Seine.

Without hesitation, Adrien grabbed Félix by the arm, startling him. 'We need to talk.'

He raised an eyebrow, but his calm demeanor didn't falter. 'What's going on?'

Adrien didn't waste time. 'We need to get to New York.'

Félix's expression shifted, his sharp mind immediately piecing things together. 'This about Marinette?'

Adrien stood firm. His eyes offered Félix everything he needed to know.

He regarded Adrien for a long moment, then nodded. 'Alright. I'll find Max, I'm sure Kaalki would like an outing. It's been a while.'

Adrien's shoulders relaxed slightly, relief washing over him. But his determination remained unwavering. 'You know everything, don't you?'

If Master Fu's message was true, he knew it was the key to something greater—for him, for Marinette, and perhaps for all of them.

*****

Marinette

The day before Christmas and New York was alive, bustling with its endless energy. The city always seemed to hum with purpose, every street filled with people rushing toward something important, and today certainly was no different. Marinette walked through Central Park, her boots crunching against the icy ground. The sharp winter air stung her cheeks, and her breath puffed out in small clouds as she tightened the scarf around her neck.

It should have been magical. The bare trees glittered with a dusting of frost, the distant sound of a saxophone playing classic Christmas songs wove through the air, and a horse-drawn carriage passed by, its wheels creaking softly. This was the postcard-perfect morning most people dreamed of.

But it wasn't Paris.

And Paris, Marinette realised with a heavy heart, was where she'd left her soul.

Her steps slowed as she came to a small bridge overlooking a frozen pond. She rested her hands on the icy railing and stared at the reflection of the city's towering buildings on the thin sheet of ice. A jogger passed by, the rhythmic thud of their sneakers on the path fading into the distance. Her heart squeezed painfully as she thought of her city. She could almost see the Eiffel Tower framed by a soft, golden sunrise or hear the familiar chatter of a café bustling with life.

But she wasn't there. She was here.

And she hated it.

Marinette hated the weather—the bitter cold that didn't have the same charm as a Parisian winter. She hated the buildings—towering and impersonal, their glassy facades reflecting a city that never paused to breathe. She hated the clothes she was wearing, stiff and corporate, lacking the warmth of her homemade outfits.

Most of all, she hated that he wasn't here. Adrien.

The thought of him sent a pang through her chest. His smile, his laugh, the way his arms felt wrapped around her. In Paris, she'd felt like she'd found her place again. With him.

But now?

She tore her gaze away from the frozen pond and forced herself to continue walking. The sidewalk was slick beneath her boots, and she gripped the strap of her bag tightly as she made her way toward the office. The towering skyscraper loomed in the distance, its sleek lines a far cry from the cozy ateliers and charming rooftops of home.

Home.

Marinette blinked against the sting in her eyes. She'd only been back in New York for a day, but already it felt unbearable. The contrast between here and Paris, between this life and the one she'd had even briefly with Adrien and Emily, was almost too much to handle.

As she neared the building, she hesitated at the revolving doors, her breath catching in her throat. The weight of the contract, the expectations, and the life she was supposed to resume pressed down on her like the chill in the air.

She didn't belong here. She never had. And now, she wasn't sure how she'd ever make it through. One year. That's all it was. One...year.

Marinette pushed through the doors, the warm air of the lobby doing little to chase away the icy knot of dread in her stomach. The sleek, modern design of the building loomed around her, all glass and steel, reflecting the bustling city beyond its walls. She used to find this place exciting, even inspiring. Now it felt suffocating.

Her heels clicked against the polished marble floor as she made her way to the elevator, each step heavier than the last. She kept her eyes low, avoiding the familiar faces of colleagues who greeted her with polite smiles.

She didn't want to see Johnny. The thought of him sitting in his office, likely already planning how to press her harder, was enough to make her pause mid-step. She didn't want to hear his fake, saccharine words of welcome or feel the unrelenting weight of his expectations. She didn't want to be anywhere near him.

As she reached the elevator, her hands trembled slightly. She pressed the button and clenched her fists at her sides, trying to steady herself.

One year. She repeated the thought like a mantra, forcing herself to breathe. Just one more year, and I'll be free. Free to be with Adrien without obstacles and barriers. One year.

The elevator doors opened, and she stepped inside, grateful to be alone for the moment. She leaned back against the mirrored wall, her reflection staring back at her. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and her eyes—red from crying on the plane and barely sleeping—betrayed her attempt to appear composed.

The elevator chimed as it reached her floor. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out and into the open-plan office. The familiar hum of voices and the clicking of keyboards filled the space, but it all felt distant, like she was moving through a dream.

'Marinette!' a cheerful voice called. She flinched slightly before turning to see one of her colleagues, Olivia, walking toward her with a bright smile. 'Welcome back! How was Paris?'

Marinette forced a smile, her voice tighter than she intended. 'It was... beautiful.'

Olivia laughed. 'Of course it was! I bet you didn't want to come back.'

Marinette studied her with her fiery red hair and perfect body and couldn't help but wonder if she was one of Johnny's bits on the side. The friendliness now seemed nothing more than fakeness.

Marinette's smile faltered. 'Yeah, it was hard to leave,' she admitted softly.

Before Olivia could respond, the glass door to Johnny's office swung open. The man himself stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable as his eyes locked on Marinette.

'Mare,' he said, his tone measured but carrying a distinct edge. 'In my office. Now.'

The knot in her stomach twisted tighter, but she nodded, forcing her legs to move. She followed him, each step feeling heavier than the last. As she entered his office, the door clicked shut behind her, and she braced herself for whatever was coming next.

Johnny leaned back against the door, his arms folded and his eyes narrowing as he regarded her with a smug expression. The tension in the room was thick, suffocating, and Marinette's pulse quickened as she braced herself for his words.

'You think you're special, don't you?' he began, his voice low and condescending. 'Just because you had a brief trip back to Paris and have some famous friends, now you think you're too good for this place? For me? I gave you everything, Marinette, I can't believe how ungrateful you would be. Dumping me and straight away sleeping with another man! Tell me, are you trying to sleep your way to the top, or just trying to make me jealous?'

She swallowed hard, keeping her hands at her sides to stop them from trembling. Now standing face to face with him, she wasn't any braver than before. 'That's not what I—'

He cut her off with a sharp laugh, his tone dripping with mockery. 'Save it. Do you know how many people would kill for the opportunities I've handed you? People who would actually appreciate them? But no, you strut in here like you're doing me a favour.'

She flinched, the venom in his voice striking deep. 'I've worked hard for everything I've achieved here,' she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. 'You don't appreciate me!' She remembered her conversations with Adrien, the never-ending support and loyalty. That's what actual love was.

Johnny scoffed, stepping closer. 'Please. You think you got here on talent alone? You wouldn't have lasted a month in this industry without me. I made you, and I can break you, Marinette. I own you!'

Her breath hitched, the words sending a chill down her spine. She instinctively stepped back, the edge of her desk pressing against her hips. She instinctively reached behind her for balance, her hand landing on something hard. The sting in her palm barely registered as Johnny leaned in, his words laced with malice.

'You don't own me,' she said, her voice quiet but firm.

His expression darkened, and he moved closer, crowding her space. 'Don't I?' His voice dropped, low and menacing. 'You're under contract, sweetheart. Every design, every sketch, every thought in that pretty little head of yours? They belong to me. And don't you forget it. You'd be nothing without me. Nothing. So you better start showing a little more gratitude. Or maybe...' He let the threat hang in the air, his eyes flashing dangerously as he raised a hand to stroke a finger across her cheek.

Her breath came faster, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to steady herself. Her fingers tightened on whatever she'd grabbed on the desk—a letter opener, cold and metallic. She resisted the urge to do anything rash, focusing instead on keeping her voice calm. Her fingers tightened around the metal.

'You're wrong,' she said, lifting her chin despite the fear coursing through her, jolting her head away. 'You don't own me, Johnny. And you never will.'

His eyes narrowed, his mouth opening to respond, but before he could say anything, there was a knock at the door. The interruption shattered the tension, and Johnny turned sharply, his mask of composure slipping back into place.

'Come in,' he barked, stepping away from Marinette.

She exhaled shakily, her hand releasing the letter opener as the door opened to reveal Olivia, who looked between them with a nervous smile. 'Sorry to interrupt, but your mother's waiting for you in the conference room, Johnny.'

He straightened, smoothing his tie as he shot Marinette a pointed look. 'We're not finished here,' he said coldly, before striding past Olivia and out of the office.

As soon as the door closed, Marinette slumped against the desk, her legs feeling weak beneath her. She glanced down at her hand, noticing the small red welt where the letter opener had pressed into her skin.

Her thoughts raced, but one thing became painfully clear: she needed to find a way out. And soon.

She tried to steady her breathing, her pulse still racing. Olivia lingered in the doorway. Her hesitant expression carried an unspoken tension, and Marinette noticed the way she nervously fidgeted with the hem of her blouse.

'Marinette,' Olivia said softly, stepping further into the office and closing the door behind her. 'She's looking for you, too. They want to see you. Now.'

Marinette blinked, the words momentarily scrambling in her brain. 'Me?' she repeated, her voice strained. 'Why?'

Olivia hesitated, glancing at the desk where Marinette had been cornered moments ago. 'I don't know.'

She straightened and smoothed down her dress. 'I guess I better go see what they want.'

Olivia hesitated again, looking like she wanted to say more. Finally, she placed a gentle hand on Marinette's arm. 'Be careful,' she said earnestly. 'And...don't let him intimidate you. You're better than this place. Better than him.'

The words caught Marinette off guard, a flicker of hope sparking somewhere deep within her. She managed a small smile, nodding in thanks, noticing something unspoken in Olivia's eyes.

She stepped into the hallway, shoulders squared despite the lingering tension in her chest. Whatever was waiting for her in that boardroom, she'd face it head-on.

She had to.

She stepped into the sleek, glass-walled boardroom, her heels clicking against the polished floor. The room was unnervingly quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning. A long oak table stretched before her, empty except the CEO of the business: Mrs. Monroe, the company owner and Johnny's mother, and her abusive ex-boyfriend.

However, it wasn't the two Monroes who made Marinette freeze in her tracks.

Standing at the front of the boardroom were two figures she never expected to see. Félix, poised and composed as always, had a stack of documents in his hand, his expression one of casual indifference—until his sharp gaze flicked to her, softening slightly for just a moment.

And beside him, Adrien.

Her heart skipped as she glanced at Adrien. His tailored suit didn't disguise the tension in his posture, his hands clasped tightly in front of him. His face, stern and unreadable, might have made her second-guess herself if not for the little wink he dropped her way.

The corner of her lip twitched at the gesture, the smallest flicker of hope blooming in her chest. But Adrien spun his attention back to Mrs. Monroe, his expression once again cold and unimpressed.

She felt her pulse quicken as she took a tentative step forward. 'Mrs. Monroe,' she greeted, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

'Miss Dupain-Cheng,' Mrs. Monroe said curtly, her sharp eyes narrowing. 'Take a seat.'

She complied, sliding into the empty chair across from her. Adrien and Félix remained standing. She could feel Adrien's gaze on her, steady and reassuring, though she didn't dare meet his eyes again just yet.

Opposite sat her ex-boyfriend. For once, Johnny looked uncomfortable, agitated.

'What is she doing here? She doesn't know enough to be in this kind of meeting.' The venom in Johnny's voice was unmistakable, and it took everything in her power not to flinch.

Mrs. Monroe raised a hand, silencing her son. 'Enough,' she said crisply, her voice cutting through the tension.

She turned her piercing gaze to Marinette, her tone measured but firm. 'Miss Dupain-Cheng, it seems I've learned more about my son's conduct than I ever anticipated. You may not have realised, but your recent...discussion with him was broadcast directly to my office.'

Marinette's heart sank, her face flushing with embarrassment. 'Mrs. Monroe, I–'

But the older woman held up a hand, silencing her again. 'What I heard was a woman standing her ground with grace and strength, even in unacceptable treatment.' Her expression hardened as she glanced toward Félix and Adrien. 'And it's abundantly clear that my son has grossly overstepped his bounds.'

Adrien's jaw tightened as he nodded in agreement, his eyes burning into Johnny.

Mrs. Monroe turned back to Marinette, her voice now tinged with something almost resembling regret. 'I am impressed by your resilience, Miss Dupain-Cheng. It's clear you've brought immense value to this company, despite the obstacles my son has placed in your path. Rest assured, his actions will not go unchecked.'

She blinked, relief washing over her as she realised Mrs. Monroe wasn't here to tear her down, but to set things right. The weight on her chest eased slightly as she nodded. 'Thank you, Mrs. Monroe.'

'As for my son, I will make sure he is dealt with appropriately.'

Johnny stood, his chair falling back and bouncing against the floor. 'You're going to believe that?! I was set up, mother. She's been after your job for years, using me to get where she needs!'

Marinette could see Adrien's fists clenched at his side, Félix stretching out to place a hand on his forearm. She knew Adrien was calm, but his Chat Noir side was impulsive, and right now she could tell she wanted to take it out on Johnny's face.

'I suggest you leave before you say something you regret.' Mrs. Monroe's demeanour had changed, her business front strong and dominating.

'Leave? Why should I leave? I'm going to be running this company in the next few months! She should be the one to leave.' A finger was suddenly pointed at her face. Red blotches appeared up Johnny's neck as his eyes burned into hers. But the moment was broken as quickly as it began, as his mother started to laugh.

'You're not going to be taking over the business, Johnny. You don't have the skills for what it takes. I've been working on something for a while, and after the marvelous perfume advertisement shoots, I know the company will be in the best hands.'

The air in the boardroom grew heavy as Mrs. Monroe delivered her announcement. 'I've decided to sell Monroe Enterprises to the De Vanily Group. This partnership was intended to strengthen our legacy and provide a fresh direction for the company.'

Félix's expression didn't waver, but there was a dangerous edge to his voice as he reorganised the papers in his hands. 'That was the plan, Mrs. Monroe. However, given the recent revelations about Johnny's behavior, I'm reconsidering my offer. De Vanily Group has a reputation to uphold, and I cannot, in good conscience, align with an organisation that tolerates such actions from its leadership.'

Marinette froze, her heart racing. She hadn't anticipated Félix taking such a bold stance. The room went silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

Mrs. Monroe's face tightened, but she composed herself quickly. 'Mr. Fathom, I assure you, Johnny's behavior will be dealt directly from policy. His actions do not define this company.'

'Perhaps not,' Félix replied, his tone icy. 'But your decision to keep Marinette Dupain-Cheng under contract despite the clear lack of professional or personal respect she's been shown tells me otherwise. Her talents are wasted here in New York.'

Marinette's eyes widened. Were they fighting for her?

Mrs. Monroe began to respond, but Adrien stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. 'Félix is right. Marinette deserves better.'

Mrs. Monroe frowned, clearly surprised by Adrien's sudden interjection. 'Mr. Agreste, this is a business matter—'

Adrien didn't back down. 'And this is personal.' His green eyes burned with determination as he continued. 'I own seventy percent of the shares in the De Vanily group and unless Marinette is released from her current contract in New York and reassigned to the Paris office for the remainder of her term, I will personally advise Félix to terminate this deal. Marinette deserves a place where her creativity can flourish and where she is treated with the respect she's earned.'

Mrs. Monroe hesitated, glancing between Adrien and Félix. Her lips pursed as though weighing her options.

'This is non-negotiable,' Félix added, leaning forward. 'Marinette's reassignment is a condition of the deal.'

Her breath caught in her throat. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Both Félix and Adrien were going to bat for her, risking a multimillion-dollar acquisition to ensure she could return to Paris.

Johnny's face turned red enough to fry an egg on it. 'You cannot be serious,' he protested, his voice wavering in disbelief.

Félix placed the documents in front of Mrs Monroe, Adrien coming forward with a pen. She looked between them, signing on the dotted line as Johnny cursed them all, and his mother.

Mrs. Monroe stood, her stiletto heels clicking sharply against the floor, as she grabbed Johnny by the arm, her face a mask of barely contained fury. 'You will come with me now,' she hissed, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Johnny opened his mouth to protest, but Mrs. Monroe silenced him with a glare so icy it could have frozen fire. 'I've heard enough from you, Jonathan. Your behavior has been reprehensible, and I won't tolerate you jeopardising this company's reputation—or mine—for another second.'

With a last glare, she yanked the door open and stormed out, dragging Johnny behind her. The sound of the door slamming shut echoed in the now-silent boardroom.

The moment they were gone, Marinette stood. Her legs moved before her brain could catch up. She crossed the room in a heartbeat, her heels clacking against the polished floor, and practically threw herself into Adrien's arms.

He caught her with ease, wrapping her in a secure embrace as she clung to him, burying her face against his chest. 'Adrien,' she choked out, her voice muffled but thick with emotion.

He pulled her closer, his hand sliding up to cradle the back of her head. 'I've got you,' he murmured, his voice soft and steady. 'You're okay. It's over now.'

She trembled against him, the weight of the past few days—and the overwhelming relief of what had just happened—hitting her all at once. 'I can't believe you came all this way,' she whispered, pulling back just enough to look up at him.

His green eyes softened as they met hers. 'Of course I came,' he said simply. 'I wasn't about to let you face this alone. Remember, we promise to work together from now on. You were there for me with Emily. How could I not do the same?'

Tears welled in her eyes as she gripped his jacket tighter. 'You didn't just save me. You gave me back my life.'

He smiled then, the warmth of it melting away the last of her fear. 'You don't have to thank me for that. I'm just making sure you get to live it where you belong. With us. With me and Emily.'

Her tears spilled over, but this time, they were tears of joy. She stood on her toes and kissed him, pouring all the gratitude, love, and relief she felt into the connection. Adrien responded immediately, holding her close, grounding her in the certainty that everything would be okay.

Behind them, Félix cleared his throat, a dry smile tugging at his lips. 'You two are adorable, but perhaps we should discuss the finer details of Marinette's transition before Mrs. Monroe comes back to chew us out.'

Marinette pulled away, laughing softly as she wiped her tears. Adrien grinned down at her, pressing a kiss to her forehead before turning to his cousin.

'Details can wait,' Adrien said lightly, his hand still firmly in Marinette's. 'Right now, I think we all need a moment to breathe.'

Félix rolled his eyes but didn't argue, gesturing for them to follow him out of the boardroom. Marinette squeezed Adrien's hand before rushing forwards and wrapping her arms around Félix's waist. He froze, not uncommon for someone whose heart was made from ice.

'Thank you,' she whispered. Félix relaxed in her arms.

'You're welcome.'

As they walked out of the room, her heart felt lighter than it had been in years. For the first time since arriving in New York, she felt like she could breathe. She was finally going home.

'I'm surprised you didn't punch him,' she said, leading them both through the staring glances of the bullpen.

'I made him sign an agreement that he wouldn't,' Félix said, opening the door with her name on it.

'Thank you both for saving me,' she said, Adrien wrapping his arms around her again as soon as the door closed.

'It's about time you had your team back.' With a quick movement, Adrien positioned the horse Miraculous glasses on his face, and Marinette let out a breath of relief. She was finally going home.