Criminal

Chapter 24: This World

Marinette giggled as she wiped off the lipstick marks left all over Adrien's neck and face, while he rubbed off the smeared lipstick on her lips. Adrien chuckled while rubbing the wet cloth across her bottom lip, "You know if I didn't know any better, I'd say-"

"Ms. Dupain-Cheng, please report with Adrien to Mr. Agreste's office immediately." The receptionist voice said throughout the telephone on the side of the desk.

Both of their eyes widened in panic, "Shit— we don't have security cameras in here do we?" Marinette asked and Adrien chuckled. "No we don't, not in any of the offices."

"Then what could this be about?" Marinette asked while looking up at the tall blonde. Adrien looked at her with a serious expression, "I don't know, but it can't be good." He said, allowing Marinette to fix his hair. Once they quickly made themselves presentable, they made their way up to Gabriel's office.

Marinette's heels clicked across the marble floors before she gently knocked on the door, waiting to hear Gabriel's emotionless "Come in" before opening the wooden door. Marinette stood right by Adrien's side, her hands folded respectfully on her lap when they both sat down.

Lila was standing by Gabriel's side, her arms crossed and a venomous look on her face. "I heard about the situation this morning—" Gabriel began, "I want to address it with the both of you so we're clear. Lila will still be working here as my assistant-"

Adrien frowned, his lips parting to speak before Gabriel continued. "I need a permanent replacement for Nathalie because she's... unwell." He said thoroughly, looking to the side. "I understand you both may be frustrated with Lila- but I would encourage you to both get along with your coworkers."

"Father- with all due respect- Lila said a lot of unethical things to Marinette this morning. There should be at least some sort of penalty for that. I'm not comfortable with Lila working anywhere near Marinette."

Gabriel sighed and turned in his chair, "Then I guess we'll have to fire either one of them, I see." He said, seemingly contemplating a plan. "Although Marinette has some lovely designs, and shows promising talent- I don't think having her here any longer is progressional for either of you. You're a distraction to each other." He spoke coldly.

Both of the two seemed taken back, while Lila stared at Marinette with a smirk on her lips. Adrien glanced at Marinette and back at his father, wide eyed. What did Lila have to offer as anything more then bringing him coffee every morning? Marinette was extremely talented and he knew that Gabriel recognized it.

So what was he missing?

"Oh Mr. Agreste... I don't think firing Marinette is necessary. After all- the line for her clothing did do extremely well didn't it? I think we can all come to some sort of compromise." Lila said in a sickeningly sweet tone, Marinette almost lurched at her from the other side of the table.

"No." Marinette said, standing up. "If I mean so little to the brand then I'll come to pick up my things tomorrow-"

"Hell no, if she's fired than I quit." Adrien said in a demanding tone, startling all three of them. "Father you and I both know she's the most talented seamstress and designer we've seen since the last— since we've built this building!"

"Adrien." Gabriel said, as if he was warning him. "Don't let your personal feelings for this woman cause you to make such a mistake." He said, trying to reason with his son. "Well clearly your letting your personal feelings regarding Lila compromise the future of the entire brand- she doesn't offer anything to the future of the company!"

"ADRIEN."

"If Marinette's fired- than I quit."

"Adrien stop-" Marinette said, pulling his arm to the side and giving him a look of sympathy. "I quit. No one's firing me- I'll be back for my stuff tomorrow." She said, and Adrien seemed baffled. She gave one last look at Gabriel, and then began to walk out. Adrien grabbed her wrist, "Please, we can work it out." He said softly, tears beginning to form in her eyes.