The Bourgeois mansion loomed in front of me, its opulence almost comical. Crystal chandeliers, gold-trimmed furniture, and marble floors that gleamed under the soft light—it was a message to those unworthy to leave. But I wasn't here to admire the decor. I was here for Chloe.
I adjusted the strap of my guitar case and stepped inside, the faint scent of expensive perfume hitting me as I entered the foyer. The sound of footsteps echoed up the staircase. Chloe was already waiting, pacing nervously near the staircase. She was dressed in a casual outfit—a simple blouse and jeans—which was unusual for her. Chloe Bourgeois didn't do casual.
Though it didn't look to bad regardless. I knew her mother probably more than she did.
"You're late," she snapped, though her tone lacked its usual bite.
I shrugged, giving her a small smile. "Traffic. You know how it is."
She rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Instead, she glanced down at her outfit, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her blouse. "Do you think this is okay? For my mom, I mean."
I tilted my head, pretending to consider it. "Glitter's in this season, you know. Audrey Bourgeois is all about making a statement. You might want to change."
Chloe frowned, looking down at her clothes. "You think so?"
"I do," I said, my tone gentle but firm. "You want to impress her, right? Go big or go home."
She hesitated for a moment, and signed nodding and turned back up the stairs. "Don't go anywhere."
I watched her go, my smirk fading as my mind shifted gears. This was it—the beginning of the plan. Audrey's arrival would set off a chain of events, and I needed to be ready. The Bee Miraculous was the key, and I couldn't afford to let it slip through my fingers.
Passing the time I began to think taking out my guitar and strumming slowly to clear my thoughts. As I waited, I leaned against the wall, my thoughts drifted to Alya. She was the one who was supposed to receive the Bee Miraculous, but I couldn't let that happen. Alya was, too observant and its a habit she loves. If she got her hands on a Miraculous, she'd be a wildcard—one I couldn't afford that quite yet.
No, it had to be Chloe with her desperate need for validation, and the right push, she'd be the perfect pawn. Or more accurately Queen.
Chloe reappeared a few minutes later, dressed in a glittering gold dress with a silky black bow on her waist that caught the light with every movement. She twirled once, and I almost couldn't help myself, she didn't look bad before but, now. She was exceptional.
Noticing my gaze her previous nervousness was quickly replaced by a flicker of pride. "Well? What do you think?"
I smiled, nodding appreciatively. "Perfect. Your mother won't know what hit her."
She beamed at the compliment, and for a moment she was genuinely happy. The sound of a car pulling up outside interrupted my thoughts. Chloe's eyes widened, and she hurried to the window. "She's here!"
I followed her, peering out just in time to see a sleek black car pull up in front of the hotel. Audrey Bourgeois stepped out, her presence commanding even from a distance. Chloe's father, the mayor, was already waiting, looking as nervous as Chloe had been moments ago.
Chloe turned to me, her confidence wavering again. "Do you think she'll like my dress?"
I placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile. "She'd be a fool not to. Just remember, you're her daughter. "
She nodded, taking a deep breath before heading for the door. I followed, keeping a respectful distance as she joined her parents. Audrey barely glanced at Chloe, her attention already focused on the hotel.
"Carlie, darling, do try to keep up," Audrey said, her tone dismissive as she strode to her husbands side.
Chloe's smile faltered, but she quickly masked it with her usual bravado. "Of course, Mother. Chloe at your call." She said with a slight curtsy.
I stayed behind, watching as the trio disappeared into the car. My work here was done—for now. I turned and walked away, my mind already racing ahead.
'This was it' whispering to myself with a grin so wide it created a sinister aura for anyone nearby.
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Marinette's Perspective
I stood backstage at the fashion show, clutching my derby hat tightly to my chest. The soft murmur of the crowd beyond the curtains made my stomach churn. I had been so proud of my design just hours ago, but now, doubt gnawed at me.
"Tikki, what if no one likes it?" I whispered, my voice trembling.
Tikki floated out of my purse, her tiny face filled with reassurance. "Marinette, your design is amazing! Adrien loved it, and that's what matters, right?"
I nodded, but my anxiety didn't fade. I had overheard Audrey Bourgeois earlier, the infamous fashion critic, declaring that glitter was the only thing in style this season. My hat didn't have a single speck of glitter.
"What if Audrey hates it?" I muttered, my fingers tightening around the hat. "What if she tells everyone it's terrible?"
Before Tikki could respond, Nathalie appeared, her tablet in hand. "Marinette, there you are. Adrien's waiting for you in his trailer."
My eyes widened. "Adrien? W-waiting for me?"
Nathalie nodded, already turning to lead the way. "Come along. We don't have much time."
I followed, my heart pounding. As we walked, I accidentally bumped into someone, sending my hat tumbling to the ground.
"Watch where you're going, Dupain-Cheng!" Chloe's sharp voice cut through the air.
I looked up to see Chloe and Audrey standing in front of me. Audrey's piercing gaze flicked to the hat on the ground, and Chloe scooped it up before I could react.
"What is this?" Chloe sneered, holding the hat up for her mother to see. "Did you make this, Marinette? It's so… plain."
My face burned. "N-no, that's not mine!" I stammered, snatching the hat back. I turned to Nathalie, who was already walking ahead. "I-I have to go!"
I hurried after Nathalie, my heart racing. When we reached Adrien's trailer, I took a deep breath and stepped inside.
Adrien was sitting on the couch, fiddling with the cuff of his suit. He looked up and smiled when he saw me. "Marinette! You made it."
I forced a smile, holding out the hat. "I brought this for you. I hope it's okay."
Adrien took the hat, his eyes lighting up. "Marinette, this is amazing! I love it."
My cheeks flushed. "Really? You're not just saying that?"
"Of course not," he said, standing up and placing the hat on his head. He struck a pose, making me laugh. "See? Perfect."
I couldn't stop giggling "Thanks," I said still a bit nervous "I should head out the shows starting soon!" I told him which he gave a slight not to and went back to practicing. 'I hope this goes well' was my only thought as I left.