I had to rewrite this from the top along with Part 2 because of the technical law stuff since I'm trying to keep it as realistic as possible.

This is by far the hardest chapter I've ever written so far for any fic.

Any mistakes are all mine. Enjoy :)

- Santana's POV –

The fact that we don't have to work on any cases this week is heaven sent because as it turns out, the case binder Brittany randomly chose from the bunch is quite a handful. Okay, for starters, I'll give you the facts of the case.

Jessica James, the plaintiff and Brittany's client, was the Director of Communications for Pacific Air. Half a year ago, she was referred by her mentor and owner of Pacific Air, Catherine Spencer, to assist for four months in establishing the transfer of communications in China with the organization's sister company, Star Airlines, owned by a different entity. During this time, Jessica James still continued her responsibilities such as conducting interviews, press conferences, as well as representing Pacific Air in the media. In one of those interviews, she made mocking accusations, all in good fun, about working for Pacific Air and Catherine Spencer herself. A week after coming back to work in Pacific Air's headquarters in New York, she was fired. With the aid of her counsel who had personal knowledge of the case and used to work for Pacific Air as well, Jessica James is now suing for Wrongful Termination.

So, there.

I've been heavily researching the case and went around it several times to strengthen my defense. I don't have anyone to play my defendant yet. I tried talking Quinn into it but she was unwavering about not being involved in the case at all, not even wanting to go an inch close to it. On the other hand, Brittany's got it all down to a T. I heard that she just told Rachel about it and the latter immediately jumped to play the plaintiff even with how busy she is with Funny Girl. Less than a day before the trial, I don't have the slightest idea on how to win the case. With everything on the line, my reputation in the firm, and Brittany making an impression on everyone, shit's about to go down really hard.

At work, everyone's been smiling more than usual and at the same time, they're all quite focused on the task at hand. The whole Initiation occurs for the whole week and a competitive environment is in the air right now. It's not as stressful as our usual work week with all the clients and stress, nope, it's the Partners who'd have to worry about that for a bit while everyone else immerses themselves in a Lopez Hayward tradition. This week is all about letting loose with having fun and getting acquainted, at least somehow. Moreover, the biggest hype of the whole Initiation so far is with our impending trial. Everyone's been looking forward to it probably more than Brittany and I do. The other day I even saw Kitty bullying the other interns and associates to placing their bets for it.

Our law school gang is in town right now to support Berry. Kurt just got in this morning and is staying at my place. Mercedes, a global superstar now, took a break from her tour and in promoting her new album for a few days to attend the preview as well as spending the weekend with us. The Changs, who have been residing in LA for the past three years and doing wonderfully there to the point that they're thinking of establishing their own firm, arrived with Mercedes just this afternoon. The three of them are staying in this wonderful apartment provided by Mercedes' label just a couple of blocks away from our place. I'm actually quite psyched that they're in town since I haven't seen them since the wedding and as much as I'd deny it, I do miss them. However, I'm also a bit nervous of what beholds my fate because at their own insistence, they're going to watch the mock trial tomorrow and fuck knows what's gonna happen then.

I just finished parking my car in front of Grams' house and walk the few steps to the front door to ring the doorbell. I'm dressed to the nines in a tight red dress with my hair down and heels to compliment my hotness in general. Being the good person that I am - sometimes - I'm dropping the diamond earrings Grams asked me to pick up from her jeweler to make up for my actions during that dinner with George.

"Hey!" Brianna, dressed up and ready to go, exclaims upon opening the door with a big grin then pulling me in for an embrace. Ah, I missed this girl. She's like the little sister I never had. "I haven't seen you in like, a month. I could use the bad influence again, S!"

"You know me, Bri. I try my best to help you waste your life down the drain while I hustle."

"Uh-huh. I'm sure I know why you haven't been here for a while now." She remarks with a smirk as I try to act cool about it. "Anyway, Grams is waiting for you in her room, I think she's done getting ready. She was saying something about a grand entrance but Britt and I talked her into leaving in about 10 minutes. So, make yourself at home. I'll just go finish my makeup."

I nod and go on to make my way upstairs and find Grams to get this over with. Her house is a freaking mansion with a bunch of bedrooms dressed in a French-Italian theme with the white floral walls and light colors. It doesn't take me more than fifteen steps to get to Grams' bedroom when I hear Brittany's soft voice calling out.

"Bri?"

I look behind me and see her stepping halfway out of what looks like her bedroom, dressed in a stunning black dress while looking curiously at me. We must have stared at each other for a few seconds before I turn my attention on her.

"H-Hi." I almost whisper.

"Hi, San. What are you doing here? I thought you and Kurt would be on your way to the theatre now."

"Oh, he went ahead with Quinn to help Rachel. I'm just dropping off Grams' earrings." I say and hold up the box in my hand. She nods and purses her lips, looking unsure if she'd continue the conversation or go back to finish getting ready. Something I help her with.

"S-So, uhmm… Why were you looking for Brianna?"

"Oh. I need help with the back zipper in my dress. I can't reach it." She answers timidly. I sigh deeply and contemplate whether or not I should just excuse myself from a wonderful mess or get myself into it. Oh, what the hell.

"I could help you." I reply with a soft smile. She gives me an inquisitive look at first but after a moment, gives in shyly before going inside her bedroom again. True enough, I see the top part of her dress open and I swallow the lump in my throat as I place the box on the table situated just beside her door prior to following her inside.

Brittany's bedroom looks like a huge, generic posh hotel room, like any other bedroom in this house aside from Grams' and Brianna's, showing off a vibe that she's not looking forward to staying for the long term. She's standing in front of the big mirror, checking her dress out and I walk the few steps then stopping behind her. I stare at her through her reflection and hold off her stare for a moment before clearing my throat as I start to do her zipper slowly and carefully.

"You look a-amazing, Britt."

"Thanks. You too. That dress really looks good on you." She answers with a shy look at me through the reflection. "I-Is George coming to the preview?"

"No. U-Uh… She just got back from Seattle a few hours ago and wanted to rest tonight instead."

"I see. Are you guys are okay now?"

"Not r-really. I'm honestly not sure." I mutter under my breath. I mull over on how I should steer the conversation to another topic without sounding too forceful yet again. "I-I know you declined my offer for a settlement last week but-"

She sighs deeply and gives me a look through the mirror. "I won't change my mind, San."

"I know you won't. You're just as stubborn as I am, Britt. Maybe even more." I chuckle at my words and so does she. "So, uhmm… Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"Little bit. You?"

"Little bit." I repeat her words. She nods slowly in understanding just as I finish zipping up her dress. "You know, I think I should be the one to insist on a settlement if we're going by how everyone's seemingly afraid for my life to go up against you."

"Really? What did they say?" I raise an eyebrow in amusement.

"That you're ruthless and won't go easy on me. That you'll wipe me out."

"And what did you say?"

"I told them that it may be the case but I won't go down without a fight. Besides, I know the real Santana anyway and even if you go full throttle against me, there's no way I'll hold back on you as well." She replies with a glint in her eyes and a smirk on her face.

"Then don't. Don't hold back." I almost whisper while staring deeply into her beautiful ocean blue eyes.

I stay in my position and admire the way her skin glows, or how her dress compliments her body, or even the way those blue eyes sparkle as she looks straight into mine through the mirror. In a flash, she turns around and bites her lip while looking me up and down. I gulp down heavily once again when we, like auto-pilot, slowly lean towards each other. Gosh, she's so beautiful up this close, it hurts. It takes me back all those years where I can't fathom how I even survived without her. But I did. At least somehow. And the product of that is me trying to move on with my life by dating this fantastic girl named George. If the roles were reversed though, there's no way I'd do this to Brittany, no way at all.

I clear my throat once again and take a step back to take a little breather from all this tension. I look down and breathe as deeply as I can without showing apprehension or too much emotion.

"U-Uh... I'll let you finish getting ready." I try to ease the stress of the situation.

She looks disappointed but nevertheless nods at the notion. "O-Okay. I-I'll see you there."

Without saying anything, I exit her room as fast as I can and try to get myself together in the hallway. Holy shit. Get your shit right, Lopez. I shake my head in disbelief at the close encounter and decide to just finish what I came here for. Fuck, I almost kissed Brittany! I take another deep breath and decide to let it go. For the meantime.

I grab the jewelry box from the table and make my way to Grams' bedroom, knocking lightly before being told from the other side to come inside.

What greets me though is Grams, dressed in a chic white dress, sobbing heavily in front of her make up mirror. My eyes widen and I hurriedly walk towards her, placing the box on her dressing table. She does a fanning motion while crying much louder and dramatic this time, making me literally panic on what I should do.

"Oh my god, Grams. What happened?! What's wrong? Are you okay? Tell me what's going on. Shit, everything's going to be fine." I ramble on worriedly as my forehead creases.

With the snap of a finger though, her whole crying persona instantly changes when she grins devilishly at me. I raise an eyebrow at her but before I even get to ask what the fuck is happening, she speaks up.

"What do you think?" She utters mischievously, wiping off her supposedly fake tears with a nearby tissue.

I stare at Grams for a second or two. "W-What- What was that for?"

"Why, I'm showcasing my skills, dear. I heard you still haven't found someone to play your client. Since I'm fantastic, I'm here to save you from your impending doom and humiliation if you don't get a move on with the casting. I can try to do the whole Meryl Streep-Sophie's Choice thing, if you want. Or Brad Pitt's 'what's in the box' kind of acting. Name it, honey. I got it all down." She shrugs nonchalantly. "And if you need references to just how good of an actress I am, I used to be the star of the drama club back in my college days in Princeton, just so you know."

I immediately take a deep breath of relief after she finished her statement. I break out into a smile and chuckle knowing that a big weight is taken off my back like that. "Have I ever told you that I love you, Grams? You are the best!"

"I know and I'm definitely aware of that, Selena." She mentions casually then goes on to fix her make up. "Now, just make sure you win and beat my granddaughter. I'm coming out of acting retirement specifically for you, so you better bring your A game and do it justice."

- Brittany's POV –

2 years and 3 weeks ago

It's 3am here in England.

In just 3 weeks, it would count as my 9th month anniversary of staying here in London. So far, Mrs. Jones and I are in the same black hole as before. Sure, we're actually generating a respectable revenue for the company but it's nowhere near enough yet. I'm trying to be as positive as I can but the notion of coming home to Santana in New York is getting bleaker by the day.

Santana and I- Well, it's a little complicated. We're still together, of course. I haven't seen her since Thanksgiving and we've only gotten busier since then. I mean, really busy. Santana's career is now better than ever over that short span of time, something unparalleled for a Rookie Associate as they all say. I'm just so incredibly proud of her and I know she deserves all that and more.

And me, well. I'm still stuck with the same problems regarding the company here every single day. It's like a never ending battle of coming up with solutions to hundreds of dilemmas. I feel so stuck. I honestly thought that I'd already be gone here by now and I'm already in my bed in New York cuddling and planning my wedding with Santana. But nope, I'm still stuck in the same damn thing, in the same damn place, in the same damn office every single day with the same damn problems being handed my way. Every. Single. Day. Argh! I'm so frustrated!

I never asked for this to happen! I should be in New York right now, building my career and reputation as a lawyer like Santana and Quinn, planning my wonderful wedding and future with the love of my life, and just be with the people I care about the most. But no, I'm here in my office that's almost basically my real bedroom now with how much I spend here more than at my flat. I don't have people I can call 'friends' aside from Mrs. Jones. I know I'm doing this for my family but I just miss them so much, it's like a battle. I feel so incredibly alone and lonely, you have no idea. I wouldn't even wish this kind of feeling for my worst enemy.

The thing is, I do have Santana. But with everything positive that's been going on with her life and the complete opposite with mine, I wouldn't want to burden her with my problems at all. I don't have any good news for her at all and as of late, I've been having less time to deal with my personal life. I mean, I could try to talk to her about my problems but then she'd instantly raise the topic of moving here again which would automatically lead into a fight because I wouldn't want that to happen then predictably, we'd resort to silence and not talking to each other for a few hours, and lately, days, something unprecedented when it comes to our relationship.

I haven't talked to her for three days now since we had this fight about me not being able to fly and see her for the next three weeks due to some business engagements. Expectedly, she became furious – raising her voice even – and for probably the first time ever since I moved here, she cried. It broke my heart as I watched her through a computer screen cry her heart out like that and unlike before, I wasn't there to wipe away the tears or even give her a hug to ease the pain. I've never felt so helpless in my life. We're both so broken and frustrated with our current situation that a distinct solution had once or twice come up in my thoughts just for me not to see her like that again.

"Brittany?" A soft British accent gets me off my thoughts. I look up from where I'm seated to see Mrs. Jones gazing at me curiously and standing by the doorway of my office. "What are you still doing here? It's the middle of the night. It's technically Saturday now, you have to rest, dear."

I sigh and put down the pen in my hand. "Oh. I'm just finishing this proposal then I'll be on my way home. How about you?"

"I had just gotten back from inking that deal in Australia, I'm only dropping off a few documents. Are you waiting for Santana?"

"U-Uhmm… Maybe."

She gives me a curious look. "Is everything okay, Brittany?"

I bite my lip and only reply with a small smile, something she catches on. "I'm not really comfortable talking about it, Mrs. Jones."

"I see." She replies with a sympathetic smile. "Well, if you need to talk about anything, I'll be here to listen, okay?" I only nod at her words.

"Well then, I'll be on my way now. Goodnight, dear." She adds and motions to walk away.

I glance back at my computer screen and see that I'll probably won't get a call from Santana for the next hour or ten. So, before the elder woman even gets to take a step further, I swallow a huge lump in my throat and call out for her. She stops in her tracks and assumes her previous spot again with questioning eyes.

"I-I just have a question." I tread lightly and take a deep breath while I'm at it. I think this is one of those questions that I know the answer to, it's just that I refuse to accept it or maybe I just want to hear the answer in person from someone who's not me. "D-Do you think I'll ever get to go home again with how things are here? Will it get better for the next few months? A year, perhaps?"

Mrs. Jones stares at me for a moment. I can see it in her eyes and how she's trying to be as gentle as she can to break it to me. Like her, I do know the answer. Instead of saying anything though, she just shakes her head slowly and flashes me a look of pity. I take a deep breath and rein in the tears that are about to come out any second now. I just nod frantically and avoid eye contact by bidding her goodnight then turn my chair around to face my office window that's overlooking the business district with a heavy heart.

Upon making sure she's gone and I'm completely alone now, I take the deepest sigh I could muster before covering my face with both hands and proceed to cry my heart out like there's no tomorrow.

Present day

Funny girl was amazing! No, it was spectacular! I'm sure there are still a bunch of better adjectives to describe it but the bottom line is Rachel as Fanny Brice was beyond words. Without bias or anything, I'm sure each and everyone inside the theatre knew in their hearts that she was born to play that role. Last night was great with all our friends and family attending to support the show and although we called for an early night, it was fun all the same. All our friends are in town and to their insistence, are staying over for a few days to hang out with us. Or to watch the Initiation today.

It's 8 in the morning on a Thursday and our trial is first up for the day. I've done my research, probably a bit too much of it, and prepared to the best of my ability to hopefully give a good impression to the spectators. Rachel volunteered to play my client, something I'm incredibly grateful since I know how busy she is with Funny Girl. To be honest, I'm a little nervous and scared to go up against Santana. Aside from the fact that she has this fierce reputation in the firm, I don't know what's going to happen in court with everyone's eyes on us. I'm not sure if a lot of people know about our past relationship but the pressure of making a good impression and going against a legend in the Initiations is a little too much.

I'm sure Santana's going to bring it in the trial and make sure she'll win this one with everything she has got because that's just her. So, I'm going to do my best to win this as well. I'm going to be ruthless, unforgiving, and basically everything I'll be expecting her to be in Court. I can't lose, not this time.

So, here I am in my office, going over a few minute details on how I'll approach the case later, when a sudden thought crossed my mind. Santana and I haven't exactly talked about anything Mock Trial related at all except for exchange of pleadings. I'm in the dark about a few details like who's going to play the defendant. She and I were civil last night but it was evident that we maintained our distance. I mean, who wouldn't when we almost kissed? Oh gosh, I got to shake that off for now.

Swallowing my pride, I walk the few steps to her office and see that someone's sitting on her chair facing the window. I knock three times and welcome myself in. "Hey, San. I know you're busy preparing but I just need to know who'll play the defendant."

When I don't hear an answer for the next few seconds, I look up to see that it's not Santana sitting on the chair when it turned, but rather, it's George with her legs crossed, dressed in a light blue buttoned up shirt, nude slacks, and her doctor's coat on from my view.

"Hi." She utters simply with a smile. "Santana's not yet here but she's on her way up."

"H-Hey, George." I reply a little awkwardly. Then a sudden thought comes up in my mind, wait, is she playing the defendant? "W-What are you doing here? I mean, not like it's my business but there's this thing later and-"

"The Initiation thing. Yeah, she told me about it." She retorts with a nod. "She doesn't know that I'm here, actually. I just got back from this long conference last night and I thought of surprising her before going to work. I haven't seen her for a while now…" She trails off with an unsure expression. I nod frantically as we stare at each other in an awkward manner, like trying to wait for the other to speak. "So, uhmm… You look really beautiful. Are you ready for the trial?" George speaks up then purses her lips.

"O-Oh, thanks." I smile and consciously check out myself in my white dress. "And yeah, I guess I'm ready as I'll ever be. How about you? I-I mean, how was the conference?"

"It was great, thanks for asking." She answers briefly and judging by the way we're interacting, it's safe to say we're not the best people when it comes to small talk. It's awkward as hell.

"A-Are you going to watch the trial?"

"Oh, I wish I can, Brittany. But I really just dropped by to say good luck before going to work. I got assigned to day shift for the rest of the month." She replies with a grin. Huh. So, she's not the defendant.

"A-Ah, I see. W-Well, I'll have to go now and prepare for later. H-Have a great day." I exclaim hurriedly and she just waves back at me with a smile before I exit Santana's office and make my way back to mine with my head hung low.

"Oof!" Santana, looking immaculate in a black dress, declares in surprise as I bump into her in front of Quinn's office, making me drop a few pieces of paper on the floor.

"Oh gosh, I'm sorry. I wasn't looking." I absent-mindedly say as I crouch and pick up everything. Something which Santana helps me with.

"So, uhmm… how are you, Britt?"

"I'm okay. A little tired but okay. You?"

"Same." I mutter and look up too see her staring at me with a small smile. "So, is it just me or did you come from my office?"

I clear my throat and try my hardest not to look straight into her eyes as we stand up. "I-I just uhmm… wanted to ask who's playing the defendant for my notes since you haven't told me."

"Oh." She mutters. "She's right around the corner."

Her statement piques my curiosity and automatically goes into overdrive with the possible things that could happen. "I see. I just thought George is going to play it since..." I subtly motion to her office and she looks curiously at me, leaning a bit to take a peek of her office.

"O-Oh. Well, I guess I-I'll just catch you later." She utters as she walks past me and into her office. I slowly turn around and unintentionally follow her with my gaze. From here, I see her approach George who stands up sporting a big smile on her face. The doctor puts her arms around Santana's neck just as the brunette leans in for a quick kiss, albeit a little surprised, making me feel like the most uncomfortable fly on the wall from the outside even with the few seconds that just transpired.

"Good morning, Britty." Grams' familiar voice calls in front of me, putting all the pieces together in my head.

I bite my lip and focus my stare at Santana again. I'm not sure what came over me just this second or maybe it's the feeling of watching the love of your life being held by someone else but a sudden surge of hurt washes over me as I excuse myself to prepare for the trial. I guess there's this hope inside me not too long ago that Santana and I were going somewhere yet again but the sight of them being sweet, just crushes me to the gutter. I thought I had a chance right there and poof, gone.

I clear my throat and try to shake off the heavy feeling. I have to win. I need this win.

Rachel and I were just about to enter the Courtroom when we run into Mercedes, Tina, Kurt, and Mike who had just come out of the elevator.

"Hey, Britt! You ready to crush Satan's hopes and dreams?" Kurt jests and gives me a quick hug while he's at it.

"Oh, I'm hoping alright." I chuckle. "Thank you for coming today, you guys. Santana and I appreciate all of you staying to support us beat each other to death in court."

"I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic or actually serious with that." Mike chimes in.

"Nah, I'm serious with that. Somebody needs to roll Santana away on a stretcher after I'm done with her." I quip and raise an eyebrow in emphasis, earning a loud cheer from everyone.

"Ooh… Girl's going for the gold! I told you we should have placed our bets with their intern a while ago." Mercedes voices out and I squint my eyes at the statement.

"Anyway, we'll leave you girls to your thing. We should go now if we still want those front row seats to catch all the action." Tina exclaims excitedly before they all bid us goodbye and make their way inside.

"How about it, Britt? Let's get this show going." Rachel utters with a grin as she opens the door for me.

The Courtroom is packed to the brim, with some people even on their feet. I'm pretty sure every other room in the firm is deserted right now with only five minutes before the trial's set to start.

I cross the threshold of the Bar – basically, where the action happens – with Rachel in tow. We settle ourselves on the right side of the court and place all my things on the table. I glance up to see Gergerpal, proud and grinning from ear to ear while waving at me, dressed in a Bailiff attire while Kitty is sitting in the middle, presumably playing the Clerk role. I look around me and see our friends - namely Kurt, Mercedes, Tina, Mike, and Quinn - sitting on my upper right side by the front row on a separate box, waving at me excitedly, something I return shyly albeit a bit confused. Wait. Why are they-

Oh no. They are the jury.

"Isn't this exciting? It's pretty much a family affair by the looks of it." Rachel excitedly whispers beside me.

I try to collect myself and relax in my seat, perching my elbow on the table and rest my head on the back of my hands as I take a really deep sigh to calm my nerves. Oh my god, this is so nerve-wracking.

Just in time, Santana arrives in the Courtroom with Grams and enters through the Bar while flashing me a look in the process before settling on the other side. I train my eyes on her for a few seconds, watching how she goes from calm to internally panicking with wide eyes upon getting a good look at our jury and basically anyone who's involved in our trial. She shakes her head and sighs deeply as well. It's only when she meets my stare that she softly smiles at me.

"Goodluck, Britt."

"Likewise, San." I whisper back.

"All rise!" Gergerpal exclaims and we all stand. Momentarily, Maribel, in her black robe judge garb, arrives in the courtroom and settles herself in the judge's bench. "Court is now in session. Judge Lopez presiding. Please be seated." Gergerpal adds with his eyes seemingly locked down on his hand as if he's reading a script.

At once, we all sit and the whole Courtroom immediately resorts to complete silence. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Let's proceed with the first case for the day, calling the case of James versus Spencer." She reads from a document in front of her. "Counsel for the plaintiff, Jessica James, is Brittany Pierce. Counsel for the defendant, Catherine Spencer, is Santana Lopez. Are both sides ready?" Maribel asks just as Santana and I stand up in recognition of being called.

"Plaintiff is ready, Your Honor." I exclaim.

"Ready for the defense, Your Honor." Santana declares.

"Will the clerk please swear in the jury?" Maribel adds and motions to Kitty.

Kitty nods and walks towards the jury box. "Will the jury please stand and raise your right hand?" Our friends do as they're told. "Do each of you swear that you will fairly try the case before this court, and that you will return a true verdict according to the evidence and the instructions of the Court, so help you, God? Please say "I do." remarks with an almost bored tone.

"I do." The five of them say in unison.

"You may be seated." Kitty adds and returns to her seat.

"Proceed with the opening statements." Maribel retorts and relaxes against her seat while having a pen ready to take notes.

I nod and put down the file in my hand, my hands trembling a bit with how nervous I am. I take a quick look at Santana as I make my way towards the center of the court.

"Your Honor and ladies and gentlemen of the jury: The defendant has been charged with Wrongful Termination. Facing the media, doing conferences and catering to the airline company's public image has been the plaintiff's job for the past 8 years. Which is why, it came as a shock for Miss James when she was fired without proper cause." I pause and look up to see Maribel listening intently like the whole courtroom is.

"Catherine Spencer is assailing that it is with a minor mistake of, according to her defense, 'corporate misinformation' that she fired her own protégé. Her reason for such termination is based from an interview that was taken out of context and something that is unfound, unfair, and completely out of the plaintiff's hands." I take a deep breath and address the jury. "The evidence will show that my client was wrongfully terminated for personal reasons. Namely, when the defendant vehemently denied my client's transfer from her job as Director of Communications in Pacific Air to COO of Star Airlines. Suffice to say, Catherine Spencer was preventing my client, Jessica James, from a promotion just so she can retain my client for a much lower position in her company."

"In addition to that, the offer from Star Airlines, a company which the defendant has quite a control of, had been retracted, leaving Jessica James unemployed, emotionally distressed, and in shambles." I exclaim and glance back at Santana to see her staring worriedly at me. I disregard it and turn my attention back on Maribel to see what seems to be a small smile on her face. "That's all, Your Honor." I add and make my way back to my seat, glancing around me to see people nodding approvingly while a few others are smiling in amusement.

"That was amazing, Britt! Screw that 'not going down without a fight' bullshit. We are so gonna win this!" Rachel whispers beside me and I reply by settling into a small smile. I take a really deep breath and gather myself as much as I can.

"Counsel for the defendant, the floor is yours." Maribel announces and everyone's attention falls on Santana who stands up confidently upon being called.

"Your Honor and ladies and gentlemen of the jury: Under the law, my client is presumed innocent until proven guilty. During this trial, you will hear no real evidence against my client. You will come to know the truth that Catherine Spencer had done nothing wrong." She pauses. "For all those 9 years, she has patiently mentored the plaintiff and selflessly taught her everything she knows. They developed an almost mother-daughter relationship, something that the plaintiff's counsel has personal knowledge of since she worked for a few years in Pacific Air before agreeing to represent Miss James herself in the case at hand." She adds and glances to give me a look.

"In fact, Catherine Spencer made the decision to fire Jessica James based on the false allegations done in poor taste that harmed her and the company, resulting in Star Airlines to retract their offer as well. Needless to say, firing Jessica James is completely justified by the actions she consciously executed. Therefore, my client is not guilty." She finishes her statement and walks back to her seat, earning the same expression everyone gave me a while ago.

Maribel nods and writes something on her notepad before looking up once again. "The counsel for the plaintiff may call their first witness."

"I call the plaintiff to the stand, Your Honor." I say and momentarily, Gergerpal takes Rachel to the witness stand.

"Please stand and raise your right hand." Kitty tells Rachel nonchalantly. "Do you promise that the testimony you shall give in the case before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"

"I do." Rachel replies, assuming full character.

"Please state your personal circumstances." Kitty retorts.

"I am Jessica James, 32, and I used to work for Pacific Air."

"You may be seated." Kitty finishes and goes back to her seat just as I get up from mine and walk towards the witness stand.

"Miss James, when did you start working for Pacific Air?" I trail off and position myself in front of Rachel while facing the jury.

"It was 12 years ago. Summer of 2003." Rachel replies.

I nod. "What was your job in Pacific Air?"

"I was the Director of Communications."

"And what exactly does a 'Director of Communications' do?"

"I'm the company spokesperson. I face the media and represent Pacific Air during press conferences. I conduct interviews and handle all public relations with regard to the company's image."

"How long have you been doing that?"

Rachel seems to genuinely recall the answer. "About 8 years now. I only assumed the spokesperson role recently."

"How recent?"

"Since I was promoted from Assistant Vice President of Communications to Director of Communications four years ago."

"What's the difference of both positions?"

"Well, being Assistant Vice President deals with public relations issues and troubleshooting communications within the company whereas being Director means that you will be the face and voice of the company in the media."

"I see." I nod and sneak a glance at the jury. "In those 8 years, how many interviews, written or oral, and press conferences have you done?"

Rachel's forehead creases at the question. "Countless, I presume."

"Let's say a ball park number? Do you think it's more than a 100? 200? Probably more than 500?"

"Objection, Your Honor! Calls for Speculation!" Santana's voice catches my attention and I glance behind me to see her raise an eyebrow. Huh. It's about to get fun.

"Sustained." Maribel retorts and Santana sits down again. "Counsel rephrase your question."

I nod at Maribel. "How many interviews and press conferences have you done?"

"It's around the triple digits, for sure." Rachel speaks up again.

"And during those times, have you ever made a mistake while on the job?"

"Of course. You can say that making mistakes, no matter how good you are, is part of any job, even mine."

I nod and give my full attention on her. "Can you explain to everyone how you went from working in New York to being transferred to China?"

"Objection, Your Honor! Counsel has no basis!" Santana huffs as she stands up.

"Sustained." Maribel replies.

I smile nonetheless and continue asking Rachel. "Jessica, what other functions does a Director of Communications have besides being the voice and face of Pacific Air?"

"I'm also tasked to aid in negotiations regarding communications for the company's several sectors around the world, including subsidiaries of the airlines if need be."

"What does 'subsidiaries' mean?"

"It can span from offshoot companies, subdivisions, as well as Pacific Air's sister company, Star Airlines."

I raise an eyebrow at her. "Are you the spokesperson for Star Airlines?"

"No, I'm not."

"You said that it's also your function as Director to 'aid' in negotiations. Have you ever executed such obligation?" I utter and am actually expecting an objection of leading the witness from Santana but, nothing.

"Yes, I have."

"And what circumstance were you called upon to do such execution?"

"It was when Catherine referred me to handle negotiations in China for Star Airlines."

"Can you expound on that matter?" I say and once again, expect another objection but still nothing.

Rachel nods. "I was tasked to help in making sure that communications from Star Airlines and Pacific Air will be trouble-free."

"How long did you have to do that?"

"About four months of my entire stay there in China."

"And during these four months, were you still tasked to fulfill your responsibilities with Pacific Air?"

"Yes."

"What exactly have you done for Pacific Air during the time you were overseas?"

"I conducted several interviews and press conferences about Pacific Air and some, about Catherine Spencer."

I smile inwardly and take a glance at Santana behind me to see her sharing a look with Grams, a bit despondent at that. Maybe it's just me but there's something fishy going on, it's as if she's holding back. "What was the interview about Catherine Spencer for?"

"It was informal and purposely for fun." Rachel grins. "They asked me personal questions about her and Pacific Air."

"When was this exactly?"

"About two months ago, give or take."

I nod. "And what were those personal questions you answered for them?"

"They asked me how was it like working for Catherine Spencer and Pacific Air since I've been with them then for almost 12 years."

"And what happened after that?"

"I jokingly told them, in an exaggerated manner, how I felt about both Catherine and Pacific Air, it wasn't serious at all. We were completely fooling around by making jokes and sarcastic comments."

I purse my lips before speaking yet again. "Were your interviewers aware of the nature of your statements?"

"Of course. They were laughing with me as well."

"When was that interview published?"

"A month ago. A week after I came back from fulfilling my responsibilities in China for Star Airlines."

"What did the publication contain?"

I see Rachel visibly swallow a lump in her throat, slowly turning a bit dramatic. "It showed the interview I did for them but instead of the informal and fun interview I did, I was taken out of context. It appeared as if I was mocking Pacific Air and poking fun at Catherine Spencer's expense."

"How did your boss and company react to it?"

"At first, it was brushed off by everyone. But a week after the interview went global, I was fired."

I nod. This time and still not hearing anything from Santana, I decide to test the waters with a leading statement. "Do you think you were fired because of that interview?" I wait for a few seconds. I glance over my shoulder to see Santana looking down at her table. I turn to the jury and they look confused for the same reasons as well. Looks like I'm not the only one noticing what's happening.

"Yes."

"Why is that?"

"Because they've been looking for a way to personally fire me from the company."

I raise an eyebrow at Rachel. "Why would they do that?"

"To prevent me from taking the COO job offer from Star Airlines."

"I don't understand. What's the correlation of you being fired from Pacific Air to taking that job as COO?"

"Firing me from Pacific Air would mean that my reputation would be tainted. And with Star Airlines as the sister company, meaning that to some degree Pacific Air has control of it, any work I've done would be rendered useless."

"I see. And were you able to take that job in Star Airlines?"

"No."

"Why not?"

Rachel sighs and this time, she pulls back a few tears. "Because Star Airlines took the offer off the table."

"For what reason?"

"For the reason that they wouldn't want someone to take over the position with an air of controversy around them. I had basically become ineligible after the publication came out all because I was fired."

"I'm sorry for what happened, Miss James." I trail off. "Is the person who fired you here in this Court right now?"

Rachel nods frantically. "Yes."

"Can you state the name and pinpoint that person as well?"

Rachel raises her right arm and points behind me, at Grams. "Catherine Spencer."

I smirk and turn to Maribel. "Thank you, I have no further questions, Your Honor." I say before making my way to my seat once again. I manage to take a quick glance at Santana and see her giving me a hard stare as if I did something wrong. Though it's a little unusual that she didn't really object anymore aside from those two times. It's as if she's giving me a free pass and that's not gonna fly with me.

- Santana's POV –

Brittany's been knocking it out of the park. And well, the same can't be said for me.

There's a reason why we've never gone against each other in any kind of trial before. It's like an unspoken rule. You see, trials can get heated and personal. That thing about each other's weakness is kind of legit. If Brittany's up there with me, there's no way I can really go all out without being a bitch or at least upset her in the process, I can't bear to see Brittany get hurt when I go all ruthless. No matter what anyone says, it will always be personal. I guess that's why I've been holding back on being a bitch and basically almost throwing this trial in the process. Argh! It's so difficult!

Mother continues a few seconds after Brittany's done with questioning Rachel. "Does the defense have any questions?"

"Yes, Your Honor." I stand up then make my way to the center of the Court. "Miss James, why would Catherine Spencer prevent you from taking the COO position in Star Airlines?"

"Because she'd want me to stay as her right hand in Pacific Air."

I raise an eyebrow at Rachel. "That seems a little absurd and childish of a reason for someone who's CEO of the biggest airline company in the world, don't you think?"

"Objection, Your Honor! Counsel is testifying!" Brittany exclaims as she stands up from her seat.

"Sustained." Mother utters. "Counsel rephrase your question."

I nod and watch as Brittany sits down again. I look back at Rachel. "Jessica, why would the defendant go to extremes in retaining you in Pacific Air?"

"Because she was grooming me for a promotion from Director of Communications to VP of Internal Affairs in Pacific Air."

"Ah, I see. What's a higher position then? VP of Internal Affairs or Chief Operating Officer?"

"The COO position, of course." Rachel grins back at me, knowing full well she got me there.

Oh shit, why did I ask that? I sigh deeply first. "Miss James, what was the basis for your termination in Pacific Air again?"

"The interview I did that was taken out of context."

"How many interviews and conferences have you made during your time in China?"

"Objection! That was already covered a while ago during direct examination, Your Honor." Brittany interjects once again.

"Overruled." Mother utters and motions for Rachel to continue.

"Probably 10-15, give or take." Rachel replies.

"And how many of them are about Pacific Air?"

"All of them."

"Have you made interviews during your stay in China about the person who supposedly fired you?"

"Objection, Your Honor. Counsel has no basis for question." Brittany huffs.

"Sustained." Mother utters. "Miss Lopez?" She adds with a warning look at me.

I shake my head in disbelief and think for a moment how I'll approach the situation. "How many of them were the ones you talked about Catherine Spencer in the same nature as the interview you're assailing as the basis of your termination?"

Rachel thinks about it for a second and shrugs. "Two, including the one talked about."

"Ah, so there were two." I nod. "When was the second interview published?"

"Well, it only came out two weeks after I was fired."

"Ah. So, this only came about after you filed your complaint. Something that couldn't have been included in all your allegations then and by the looks of it, something that you failed to mention during negotiations. Is that right, Jessica?"

"Objection! Irrelevant!"

"Overruled, Miss Pierce."

I raise an eyebrow and I could swear that frustration is building up in me. "What's the time difference of when the first and second interview was conducted?"

Rachel looks down shyly. "The first interview was given two months before I got back to New York headquarters and the second one was given a day prior to my return from China."

"What were the settings of both interviews?"

"The first one was informal whereas the second was done in a formal setting."

"Can you expound on what "formal" means?" I give Rachel a look.

"It was a serious interview. Unlike the first one, no jokes were made, if that's what you're getting at."

I smile a little and repeat Brittany's earlier question. "Were your interviewers aware of the serious nature of your statements?"

"Yes, they were."

I nod and walk towards Rachel's place. "What did you talk about in that second interview?"

"How I feel about working for Pacific Air and Catherine Spencer."

"So, it was the same as the first interview only this time, you had full knowledge of your words, you weren't taken out of context, and you also meant what you said?"

"Objection! Testifying!" Brittany chimes in for the nth time and just as Mother is about to reprimand me, I lose it this time.

"I have a point, Your Honor!" I exclaim a little too loud and throw Brittany a warning glance. Mother only looks back and forth at us before resorting to just raising her eyebrows at me to make me get to the point. If I had actually done – the objecting, I mean – what I was supposed to a while ago with Brittany up there, I'd probably have done it worse than her. Way meaner. But I didn't because I'm a little sissy and now I'm at the other end of what I usually do with everyone I go against with. How freaking ironic.

I pause for a while and try to remember what I'm getting at before speaking. "Miss James, is there any reason why you'd be taken out of context in the second interview?"

"None that I know of." Rachel replies with a forced smile.

I turn my attention towards Mami. "Your Honor, I would like to have the alleged second interview marked as the defendant's exhibit number one and ask that they be admitted into evidence."

"Does counsel for the plaintiff have any objection?" Mother asks Brittany.

"No, Your Honor." She exclaims back.

"The said interview will be admitted as the defense's exhibit number one."

"Thank you, Your Honor. I have no further questions." I say and walk towards my seat again.

"The witness is excused." Mother exclaims and shortly, Gergerpal leads Rachel back to her seat.

"Your Honor, we rest our case." Brittany adds and sits down again just as quick.

Mother nods and gathers her notes before turning back to us. "I call for a three-minute break before we proceed with the defense." She adds and slams her gavel.

I relax against my seat and try to take a breath. Brittany got the best of me up there and I fell for it. I bite my lip so hard, it's probably bleeding if I didn't know any better. Holy shit. Brittany's going to beat me.

With only a minute to go before Court starts again, I'm on a loop on what to do to win this goddamn case and not make a fool of myself without hurting anyone. Especially Brittany.

"Selena, what are you doing?!" Grams seethes beside me in our seats.

"What?" I reply absent-mindedly.

"You're letting Brittany kick your butt!"

"H-Huh? I-"

"Please. I may not know a lot about the law but I'm aware that there were a few ones that you could have objected to or argued flawlessly without any hardship at all but you just didn't. I've seen you in action and this isn't how you do your thing! You've gone all soft!"

I breathe deeply and try to get a hold of myself. Grams is right and I know that full well but I just can't bring me to be my usual self with Brittany on the end. Argh! This is too hard! I glance to my right and see her staring at me with a look of indifference, almost as if she's waiting for me to make my move in a calculating manner. She's really bringing her A game and here I am, doing nothing about it. Oh my god, I'm losing because I'm hesitating while she's going all out to destroy the hell out of me. I'm being given a taste of my own medicine and I'm doing jack shit about it! It has got to change. I just have to think of a remedy before we go up there.

"You can't lose, dear. You need to give us a good fight. It's as if you've given up!" Grams whisper screams.

"I don't know what to do, Grams, okay? This is difficult for me too." I reason out infuriatedly.

"No, honey. You're not trying at all, that's why. You can't bring yourself to do anything about Brittany while she's just ready to kick your ass to the gutter. What is wrong with you?!"

"I-I just can't win based on the facts alone! We're on the losing end here. We need to regroup and turn the tables on her somehow."

Grams throws her hands in the air in exasperation. "Oh my god, Selena! I need you to unleash your true evil self! I came out of acting retirement for you and we're already losing before I even get to hit the stage! Our reputation is on the line here and you're not…" She continues to go on about something when I'm suddenly hit by her words.

Reputation.

Wait. I wasn't able to file a counterclaim but my defense contained a small portion of it as part of the pleadings I submitted. There's a law somewhere that could help as far as I can remember. If allowed, it could turn the tides somehow but there's no definite possibility that it could guarantee me a win at all. I don't have a witness for that either yet but it could make Brittany go on a loop.

Shit. I got it. I have to win. I need this win. I can't let Brittany use my own strategy against me. Unleash the inner bitch, I shall.

Briefly, Mother comes back to the judge's bench and everyone settles into a silence once again. "Is the defense ready with its case?" She looks questioningly at me.

I stand up confidently and subtly glance at Brittany before smirking at Mami. "Actually, Your Honor. The defendant wishes to countersue."

Everyone instantly whispers to their colleagues. The jury look questioningly at each other and it's only Quinn and Mami who seemingly expected for me to say that. On my right, Brittany and Rachel both look like a deer caught in headlights, with the blonde sporting wide eyes and open mouth.

"Order!" Mother exclaims upon slamming her gavel. "On what grounds?"

"Defamation of Character." I smirk. "The plaintiff's interview was detrimental to my client. It harmfully impaired my client's character and damaged her reputation as well as her financial well-being."

I see Brittany stand up on my right. "Your Honor, that's ludicrous. In order for it to be Defamation of Character, the assertion would be that my client's words are false and that's not the issue here."

"Then prove it in Court." I counter with a side eye towards her, still sporting a devilish grin while I'm at it. Brittany returns the same look and grits her teeth. From my peripheral vision, I see the jury break into wordless 'oohs' and 'aahs'. The whole Courtroom is seemingly sporting subtle smiles at the turn of events.

"I'll allow it." Mother exclaims, wearing what could only be a small smirk on her face.

Brittany's forehead heavily creases at the notion as she shares a look of desperation with Rachel. I grin and wink at Grams beside me who has seemingly relaxed now, probably at the notion she'll get to stage her comeback in a higher level.

"Your Honor, permission to approach the bench." Brittany speaks up and Mother motions for us to come forward. I deflect Brittany's hard stare at me and confidently strut towards the bench.

"Your Honor, the defense should have filed the counterclaim before the trial was set to begin." Brittany reasons out in a whisper.

"That's true. However, under Time of Filling, 3-331 of Civil Procedure, it notes that a party may file a counterclaim or cross-claim within 10 days after the time for filing a notice of intention to defend and thereafter only with leave of Court for good cause shown can that be." I cut her off and earn an eyebrow raise from Mother instead.

"I believe that's my line, counsel." She raises an eyebrow at me. "But since you've provided it already, what good cause do you have?"

"A new evidence has come to light with the plaintiff's second interview being published after negotiations ended." I shrug.

Mother seems to contemplate it for a moment and within a second or two, she answers. "I'll allow it." I smirk widely and sneak a look at a disappointed and nervous Brittany. "Do you have a problem with that, counsel?" Mother adds.

"No, Your Honor." Brittany replies defeatedly.

"Miss Pierce should have had the foresight about the matter whereas you should have recognized the hole of that statement from the start, Miss Lopez. We drafted a whole addendum just because we thought the two of you would have recognized it early on." She gives us a calculating look as she takes out two binders from under the table.

"This is now a Defamation trial. You have until tomorrow afternoon to prepare." She exclaims and hands us a binder each. Everyone around us go into a much louder whispering mode with the jury smiling from ear to ear, probably ecstatic that the action will be prolonged for them. "And counsels, wake up and give us a better fight." Mami whispers begrudgingly before she calls on for the next case to be heard.

"Oh, I will." I mockingly whisper as Brittany and I slowly make our way to our respective seats.

"Oh, please. You were purposely letting me kick your ass." She replies with a hard tone.

"Maybe I was just letting you think that so you'd at least enjoy yourself before I crush you."

Brittany sarcastically chuckles. "That would be funny if it were actually true. As much as you won't admit it, you were on a tight rope back there before you pulled that little trick."

"Maybe I was. But I have the upper hand now and this time, I won't hesitate at all. I will give it all I've got to achieve that win you best believe it." I squint my eyes at her as we stand across from each other, with our angry faces only inches away.

"Well, neither will I." She smirks at me. "It's not like I'm fazed by your idle threats or anyone else's expectations anyway."

I laugh in her face. "I've still got tricks up my sleeves that would surprise you, Britt. I'll hit you right where it hurts and I have a lot more where that came from."

"That can't be true. You're out of-" She tries to counter but I cut her off first after I gather my things and make way for the next mock trial.

"Why? Did I stutter?" I scoff right in her face and almost echoing the first time we met with the same animosity and words, leaving her behind in a complete daze and anxiousness as I drag Grams out of the Courtroom.

X