Chapter 15 - The Trial
The trial lasted months.
Former executives testified.
Bankers revealed hidden accounts.
Security footage proved the attack.
Victoria's father was charged.
Several former board members followed.
Victoria herself faced criminal charges for orchestrating the assault and manipulating evidence.
Grace testified.
She described the night she disappeared.
She described raising Lily alone.
She described the fear.
Nathan sat behind her.
Lily sat with a guardian.
When Grace finished, the courtroom was silent.
The prosecutor asked,
“Why didn't you tell Nathan sooner?”
Grace looked at him.
“Because I was afraid he would believe his family instead of me.”
Nathan lowered his head.
The words hurt.
But he knew she was right.
Then Lily was allowed to speak privately to the judge.
She carried the photograph of Nathan.
The judge asked,
“Who is this?”
Lily smiled.
“My daddy.”
The judge looked at Nathan.
Nathan's eyes filled with tears.
The case against Grace collapsed completely.
The fabricated evidence was exposed.
The charges were dismissed.
Grace walked out of the courthouse free.
Nathan waited outside.
He didn't touch her.
He simply asked,
“Can I hug you?”
Grace nodded.
He held her.
Lily wrapped her arms around both of them.
For a few seconds, the world felt quiet.
Then Nathan whispered,
“We're going home.”
Grace smiled.
“Where?”
Nathan looked at Lily.
May you like
“Wherever she feels safe.”
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