Chapter Text
Audrey relaxed on the chaise in her private quarters as she sipped her non-alcoholic cocktail and waited for Chloe to return from school. She flicked through Marinette’s sketchbook, occasionally pausing to look through the rest of the portfolio to find the matching pattern template before moving on. She was beyond impressed at the work she found there. Her initial instincts when she first met Marinette were right – the girl was a visionary and could certainly give Gabriel a run for his money.
Chloe entered flustered but still maintaining an air of decorum. She quickly pressed a kiss to her mother’s cheek before flopping onto a nearby chair.
Jean-Etienne soon appeared with a glass of fresh orange juice which he set down before her.
“Merci Jean-Etienne.” Chloe gasped out before grabbing her drink. “You are a true star to get this ready for me.” She started to gulp it down in a very unladylike way.
Jean-Etienne flushed at the praise – he still wasn’t used to it, but the fact that both Chloe and her mother were taking great pains to thank him and praise all of the staff for their work these days had made the hotel a positive dream to work in.
“Absolutely no problem, Mademoiselle and if you wish I have made a point of picking up those macarons you like so much from the Dupain-Cheng bakery.”
“Oh, the chocolate ones with the fresh dried strawberries, excellent.” Chloe practically sang. “Do you want some Maman?”
Audrey smiled “not just now darling, I had a late lunch.”
Jean-Etienne bowed, “I will bring them to you very shortly Mademoiselle.”
“No hurry, take all the time you need.” Chloe smiled.
“As you wish, mademoiselle.” Jean-Etienne almost saluted as he left the room.
Chloe picked up her drink and scooted closer to her mother.
“What are you looking at.” She asked curiously.
“Marinette’s designs.” Audrey showed her the latest which depicted a male and female in coordinated formal wear. “Her talent is exceptional, simply exceptional. Just look at those lines. That symmetry.”
Chloe wasn’t quite sure what her mother was focussing on, but she was certain she liked it. “It’s pretty good isn’t it. Any that we can put together for the show?”
“Plenty.” Audrey declared. “I need to contact my dressmakers, but I think we have enough here to present at a show in just over a month.”
“So soon?” Chloe was surprised.
“Strike whilst the iron is hot, my dear.” Audrey told her. “We need to share this talent with the world, and we need to do it before that meddler can find out about it.”
“Oh, ok.” Chloe felt a bit dazed.
“I’ve also booked the spa day for us two, Marinette and her mother, and one or two other guests.” Audrey sipped her drink and smiled. “I invited Adrien – as the poor boy needs a break and I am only one of a very few that Gabriel will actually listen too. I also invited Nadja Chamack as I feel she will be useful in this enterprise. Of course, I had to book a spa with a creche for that little monster of a child of hers – did you know Marinette is her preferred babysitter?”
“Nothing surprises me these days about Marinette.” Chloe admitted honestly. “Are you sure about inviting Nadja?”
“Of course – not only is she a long-term friend of Sabine, I also need her journalist skills to help our little enterprise.” Audrey scowled. “Nadja told me that Lila has contacted her several times with her wild claims. She is doubtful about any of them, but wondered if Lila knowing about MDC personally is actually true this time. Apparently, our clever little designer is already causing a stir in entertainment circles. Probably because of those wonderful bags she has made – Clara Nightingale won’t use anything else. I have my magazine on standby and we are subtly dropping hints throughout the latest issue.”
“So, you have offered Nadja the scoop of the century.” Chloe’s eyes gleamed with glee.
“I’m sure I can put other scoops her way – but this one is big enough for her to bite when we need her too.” Audrey smirked. “I have quite a few tasks for you as well, my dear – if you wish to contribute.”
“Oh Maman – you know I’m more than on board with this.” Chloe said with determination.
“Excellent.” Audrey smiled a smile that many would call predatory, but Chloe knew her better than that now. She put the sketch book down and reached for her tablet.
“Firstly, I need more models. I tried to persuade Zoe to fly over, but she is too busy with her latest film project, and I don’t want to take her dream away from her. She does wish us well though.” Audrey looked at her older daughter. “Do you have anyone who might be interested - So far we have Adrien and Juleka – I think I might have persuaded that nice young man, Luka, but we need more and soon so I can get these pieces cut to size.”
Chloe thought for a moment. “Does it matter what shape and size?”
“Not at all.” Audrey beamed. “Marinette’s designs are so adaptable. If we go commercial with this project, there is a positive future for her – and maybe you too.”
Chloe smiled wryly. “Marinette has the talent for design, but no business sense.”
Audrey nodded, recalling Chloe’s account of the conversation she had had with said designer at the weekend.
“She’s far too nice and kind for her own good.” She shot her daughter a meaningful look. “However, I do know someone who has a reputation for being completely the opposite.”
Chloe blushed and stood up rapidly. “I’m trying not to be, Maman.”
“I know you are my dear – I’m just saying that sometimes having a reputation for being a tough, mean girl can have benefits.” Audrey flexed her fingers elegantly. “Especially when it comes to protecting your friends and launching the career of a shy but phenomenally talented young designer.”
She looked the younger blonde in the eye. “It’s what I did for Gabriel Agreste – maybe it hasn’t turned out quite as planned, but you have something at your disposal I never even accepted at your age.”
“And what’s that?” Chloe was feeling oddly nervous.
“Compassion.” Audrey said. Chloe sat down on the chaise with shock.
“Y-you really think so?” She stammered.
Audrey reached out and patted her hand. “I know so – maybe the way we brought you up wasn’t the best – and maybe we tried to squash it in favour of a more hard-nosed approach, but it’s there – it always has been. You really do care deep down.”
Chloe blushed.
“Anyway.” Audrey seemed just as embarrassed about the exchange. “What is the story with Marinette and Adrien – other than their ‘professional’ activities?”
“What do you mean their ‘professional’ activities?” Chloe looked suspiciously at her mother.
“You know their superhero side-line – saving Paris, ya-de-da activities.” Audrey seemed almost as if she wasn’t sure whether to highlight them.
Chloe gasped. “How did you know?”
“Simple observation my dear.” Audrey smiled. “I had Adrien down for Cat Noir almost as soon as I met the hero. It’s the way they both move, and as for Marinette – well, obviously I didn’t know her as well as Adrien, but from getting to know her – I don’t believe there is anyone else in Paris that could be her.”
“Marinette is going to be so unhappy about yet another person knowing.” Chloe groaned.
“Don’t worry, I’m certainly not going to blow the cover of our little heroes. I am still grateful for how they rescued me from Style Queen - twice.” Audrey smiled. “That outfit was hideous, utterly hideous and I hate to think that I let someone like Hawkmoth take control of me. You know how much I like to be in charge of my own emotions.”
“Yes, I suppose I have a lot to be grateful for too.” Chloe felt the urge to hug herself to get some sort of comfort away from the bad memories.
Audrey saw her and drew her into an embrace.
“Once we have brought down this Lila girl – how about we work on helping them figure out who Hawkmoth is?”
“I’d like that.” Chloe admitted, the supervillain had taken advantage of her temper far too often.
Audrey moved back and patted her shoulder assuredly. “I’ve been chatting to my lawyers about possible liable suits against this liar and Hawkmoth, but first – the show. I need models – could Kagami be one?”
“Adrien’s girlfriend?” Chloe questioned.
“Is she really – well that is surprising.”
“Is it?” Chloe looked intrigued.
“There appears to be less of a bond between Adrien and Kagami compared to Marinette and Adrien?”
“You noticed too?” Chloe smiled. “One reason why I was a bit of a bully to Marinette was because I knew she was the type that would suit him.”
“Then how did he end up with Kagami?”
“Main reason – his dad and her mum are keen for them to get together.” Chloe pondered. “Although from what I know – Kagami liked the idea and pushed things forward a bit. Adrien just went along for the ride.”
“That boy has always been so oblivious.” Audrey shook her head. “I blame Emilie – she never let him play with anyone but you and even then, it was with certain provisos.”
“I miss Aunt Emilie.” Chloe said sadly.
“I do too, she was a good friend and one of the few who could get me to calm down.” Audrey sighed. “The only other person who can do that is your father – when he shows his backbone.”
They were silent for a moment.
“Anyhow.” Audrey said to herself sternly. “We can’t dwell on the past; we have an unpleasant liar to put into place.” She looked at her notes. “I’ve chosen a few items to send to the dressmakers – but I would value your opinion.”
“You … you want my opinion?” Chloe was amazed.
“Of course, my darling – I have a few things I need to consult you on, not least because you are the best person for the job.” Audrey pulled out a fresh piece of paper and pen.
“Oh, ok.” Chloe looked as business like as she could, as her mother handed her the stationery.
“Firstly – I need to hire some staff to conduct this enterprise of ours – but for this we need a project name. I will let the press know that MDC is the designer in question, but the collection needs a name?”
Chloe paused for a moment – many ideas filled her head – but most of them revealed too much of their plan. Suddenly she had some inspiration.
“What about ‘Fashion Truth’?”
“I like it.” Audrey smiled. She reached for her phone and dialled a number. “Operation Fashion Truth is now launching.”