𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 ✔️

Chapter Eleven

"Mrs. Kurtzburg has the day off, I see," Gabriel commented. "Not that I mind seeing my granddaughter, mind you."

Adrien's heart tightened as he forced a smile. "Yes. Alya was kind enough to fill in for her."

"I already had the day off," Alya commented, shutting the door to Gabriel's office behind her. "So it wasn't really an issue."

Adrien almost wondered if Alya did it on purpose. Knowing Alya, it was entirely possible she planned for this. The woman was magic; Adrien had determined that a long time ago. This would only be another one of her incredible yet masterfully pulled off tricks.

"Well, nevertheless, I'm glad it all worked out considering this meeting of ours had to be moved up," Gabriel said. "Mr. Rossi is, to put it lightly, high maintenance. The fact Nathalie and I now have to extend our trip to Italy just to appease him is ridiculous."

"And you can't control that?" Adrien asked.

Gabriel shook his head. "Not unless we want him to pull out, and considering the extent of his investment..."

Adrien cringed. He knew how strong of an investor Mr. Rossi was, and having him suddenly leave would mean a couple million dollars of loss to the company.

To Adrien, it was borderline worth it. And considering the exasperation on his father's face, he seemed to agree.

"But," Gabriel said, turning to his desk and grabbing his tablet. "The reason we're here."

"Thank you again," Alya quickly said. "You really didn't have to do this, but it's really kind of you."

"Emile always had a fondness for you," Gabriel commented. "And considering all you've done for Adrien when Emma came into his life, this is merely a thank you."

"Still, I really appreciate it."

Gabriel gave her a slight smile before handing her the tablet. "I've come up with two designs based on your preferences, and two of my own that I think would flatter you."

Alya took the tablet to examine. "I have to admit, Mr. Agreste, you certainly outdid yourself."

"I never settle on anything when it comes to fashion. Even if it is at a low-key wedding."

Adrien stood beside Alya as she scrolled back and forth through the designs. Gabriel spouted out the pros of each dress while Adrien pointed out the cons. Eventually, they whittled their options down to two.

"I think you should go with this one," Adrien said. "The shape would be really flattering on you."

"Yes," Gabriel said, swiping to the other design. "But the details of the lace in this one would look striking against her skin tone."

Alya frowned as she flicked back and forth between the two. "I don't know, you guys. I'm pretty torn because I like both for different reasons. Can I phone a friend for a second opinion?"

"I know," Adrien said with a grin. "Ask Nathalie. Maybe talking with another woman would help."

Alya opened her mouth to object, but with the 'admit it' look Adrien shot her, she promptly closed it. "Not that either of you aren't qualified," was all she said as she marched out of the office.

When she closed the door behind her, Gabriel turned to Adrien. "Since you're here, I'm assuming you have the files I need?"

With a nod, Adrien pulled three large files from the briefcase he had set down upon entering the room. "These ones."

Gabriel took them, glancing through them as he walked to his desk. "On a different note, may I ask why Mrs. Kurtzburg suddenly asked for the day off? Normally, a two weeks' notice is in order."