Stormy beginnings

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Paris was buzzing with excitement, but for Maeve, the city was nothing more than a stage. A grand, sprawling stage that deserved her presence. She and Chloe walked side by side down the wide avenue, their designer outfits turning heads as they approached the TV station. Maeve's hair was flawless, cascading down her back in glossy waves, and her perfect posture screamed wealth and status.

"Do you think Ladybug will show up today?" Chloe asked, her voice filled with excitement. She adjusted her pristine yellow blazer, her eyes gleaming at the thought of Paris's beloved heroine. Chloe's obsession with Ladybug was infamous at this point—there wasn't a moment when she wasn't talking about her, gushing over her, or bragging about how much she adored her.

Maeve, however, wasn't nearly as invested. "I doubt it," she replied coolly. "Ladybug doesn't waste her time on trivial things like a weather girl competition. She's got real villains to deal with."

Chloe pouted for a second but then shrugged, already lost in her own thoughts. "You're probably right. But still, wouldn't it be amazing if she just showed up out of nowhere? She's so *perfect*!"

Maeve rolled her eyes at Chloe's never-ending adoration of Ladybug. Sure, Ladybug was strong, powerful, and always managed to save the day. But Maeve wasn't one to idolize anyone—especially not a superhero who constantly put herself at risk for other people. Still, she let Chloe ramble on, knowing it was easier to just let her gush than try to change the subject.

As they reached the TV station, Maeve surveyed the square with an air of detached superiority. A crowd had already gathered, buzzing with excitement as they waited for the results of the *Kids+ Weather Girl* competition. Maeve had no interest in the competition itself, but there was something about watching other people's small dramas unfold that entertained her. It was like watching a live soap opera.

"There they are," Chloe said, pointing to the stage where Aurore and Mireille stood nervously beside the host of the competition. Both girls were dressed in their best outfits, clearly trying to impress the crowd.

Maeve smirked. "They're so desperate for attention. It's embarrassing."

Chloe giggled. "Yeah, but I hope Aurore wins. She's so much better than that goody-two-shoes Mireille."

Maeve shrugged, disinterested. "It's just a silly competition. Whoever wins, it's not like they'll be the talk of Paris for more than a day."

Chloe nodded in agreement, but her focus was back on the stage. The host had stepped up to the microphone, preparing to announce the winner, and the crowd fell silent, waiting for the reveal.

"And the winner of the *Kids+ Weather Girl* competition is..." the host paused dramatically, the tension in the square palpable.

"Mireille Caquet!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, and Chloe's face twisted into a scowl. "Ugh! Mireille? Really?"

Maeve arched an eyebrow. "Well, that's boring. Mireille's nice, but that's about it."

Chloe crossed her arms, clearly annoyed. "Aurore deserved to win! Mireille is so... bland."

Maeve couldn't help but agree, though she didn't care nearly as much as Chloe. She watched as Aurore forced a smile onstage, but Maeve could tell by the tightness in her expression that she wasn't happy. In fact, there was a flash of something darker in her eyes—something that hinted at resentment.

"Well, this just got interesting," Maeve muttered, watching Aurore's clenched fists. "I wouldn't be surprised if Aurore's about to throw a fit."

Chloe glanced at her, intrigued. "You think so?"

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