[COMPLETE] Silent Verdict

Mr&Ms Trio

Despite the progress at the law firm, Victoria was still dealing with the aftermath of her encounter with Daniel and Rachel. Her hand was bandaged, a constant reminder of the physical pain she had endured. But it was the emotional pain that was harder to deal with.

The case against Daniel and Rachel had gained public attention. The media was filled with reports about the incident, and Victoria found herself at the center of it all. She was hailed as a hero, but she didn't feel like one. She was just glad that Daniel and Rachel were finally facing justice.

The day of the court hearing was filled with tension. The courtroom was packed, the public eager to see justice served. As the proceedings began, Victoria sat quietly, her bandaged hand a stark reminder of the ordeal she had been through.

The prosecution presented their case, laying out the evidence against Daniel and Rachel. The recordings Victoria had made were played, their threats and confessions echoing through the silent courtroom. The jury listened intently, their faces grim.

When the court adjourned for the day, Victoria was swarmed by reporters. They were eager for a statement, their cameras flashing and microphones thrust in her direction.

"Victoria," one reporter began, "how do you feel about the proceedings so far?"

Victoria took a deep breath before responding. "I believe in our justice system," she said, her voice steady. "And I believe that justice will be served."

Another reporter asked, "How are you handling the attention this case has brought?"

Victoria gave a small, tired smile. "It's overwhelming," she admitted. "But if my story can bring awareness to the issue of workplace harassment, then it's worth it."

After Victoria was done with her interview, the reporters turned their attention to Grace. She had been standing quietly by Victoria's side, her eyes wide with apprehension.

"Grace," a reporter asked, "how do you feel about Victoria's actions?"

Grace took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. "Victoria is the bravest person I know," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "She risked her life to protect me. I will always be grateful to her."

Another reporter asked, "How are you coping with everything that has happened?"

Grace gave a small, sad smile. "It's been tough," she admitted. "But with Victoria's support, I'm getting through it."

As Grace spoke, Victoria listened quietly, her heart swelling with pride and affection for the young woman beside her. Hearing Grace's words, hearing the admiration and gratitude in her voice, made all the pain and hardship worth it.

After the interviews, Victoria and Grace found themselves alone for the first time since the hospital. It was an awkward moment, filled with unspoken words and emotions. They stood in silence, neither of them sure what to say.

Finally, Victoria broke the silence. "Grace," she said, her voice soft. "I heard what you said during your interview. And I... I just want to say thank you."

Grace looked at her, surprise evident in her eyes. "Thank you?" she repeated, confusion in her voice. "Victoria, you're the one who saved me. If anyone should be saying thank you, it's me."

Victoria shook her head. "No, Grace," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "You thanked me, in front of all those reporters. You didn't have to do that. But you did. And for that, I'm grateful."

Grace looked at Victoria, her eyes filled with hope. "Victoria," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I hope we can go back to being friends. I miss our friendship."

Victoria was silent for a moment, her mind a whirl of thoughts and emotions. She didn't know what to say, didn't know how to respond. She was still dealing with her guilt, still trying to come to terms with everything that had happened.

But Grace didn't give up. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on Victoria's arm. "Please, Victoria," she pleaded. "Give me a chance. Give us a chance."

Victoria looked at Grace, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions. She didn't respond, didn't give Grace the answer she was hoping for. But she didn't pull away either. Instead, she allowed Grace's hand to remain on her arm, a small sign of acceptance.

Just as Victoria was about to respond, they were interrupted by Alex. He walked up to them, a look of concern on his face. "Victoria, Grace," he said, his voice filled with worry. "Are you both okay?"

Grace gave Alex a small smile. "We're okay, Alex," she assured him. But her eyes were on Victoria, still waiting for an answer.

But Victoria didn't give her one. Instead, she turned to Alex, effectively ending their conversation. "We're fine, Alex," she said, her voice firm. "Thank you for your concern."

As the days went on, Victoria remained distant. But there was a change in her demeanor. She was no longer as cold as she had been. Instead, she was more like the Victoria Grace had first met - distant, but with a hint of care.

Victoria spent her recovery time with Alex by her side. His presence was a comforting one, providing her with the support she needed during this difficult time.

But Grace, seeing them together, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. She felt left out, a feeling that was all too familiar. She missed the time she used to spend with Victoria, missed their friendship.

Victoria, noticing Grace's jealousy, found it endearing. She couldn't help but find Grace's reaction cute. It made her realize just how much Grace cared about her.

Without realizing it, Victoria found herself reaching out to Grace, trying to include her. She invited Grace to join them, trying to bridge the gap that had formed between them. She was still distant, but there was a warmth in her actions that hadn't been there before.

One day, Grace was particularly sulky. She felt left out and it was starting to get to her. Seeing this, Victoria took it upon herself to cheer Grace up. It was difficult, given their strained relationship, but Victoria was determined.

"Grace," Victoria said, her voice soft. "I didn't mean to make you feel left out. I'm sorry."

Grace looked at Victoria, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions. "It's not just about being left out, Victoria," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's about... it's about us."

Meanwhile, Alex was observing their interaction from a distance. He was relieved to see their bond starting to grow again. But he knew they needed a push in the right direction. So, he hatched a plan to make Grace jealous, hoping it would prompt her to speak up about her feelings.

Alex put his plan into action. He started spending more time with Victoria in front of Grace, hoping to provoke a reaction. And it worked. Grace couldn't hide her jealousy any longer.

When Grace confronted Victoria and Alex, she did so with the innocence and frustration of a child. She stomped her foot, her arms crossed over her chest, her face a picture of pure annoyance. "I can't stand it anymore!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration. "I feel like I'm being pushed aside. Like I don't matter anymore."

Victoria couldn't help but find Grace's reaction endearing. Her heart warmed at the sight of Grace acting so childlike. She couldn't resist the urge to hug Grace and pinch her cheeks. "Oh, Grace," she said, her voice filled with affection. "You're just too cute."

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