The courtroom was packed to capacity on Day 25 of Wilson v. Karev and Stevens, the day the world had been waiting for: the final verdict. The international spectacle had kept viewers glued to their screens, each day bringing outrageous accusations, shocking revelations, and a level of drama that would put any prime-time soap opera to shame. Today, it would all come to an end.
Jo Wilson entered the courtroom flanked by Annalise Keating, her face calm but resolute. The tension in her posture was tempered by a quiet confidence, a belief that the truth was on her side. Across the room, Alex Karev sat with Connor Walsh, his expression smug yet guarded. The air between the former spouses was electric, thick with unresolved tension and the weight of twenty-four days of courtroom chaos.
Judge Martha Wallace entered, slamming her gavel down with a force that commanded immediate silence. "Court is now in session. After twenty-five days of testimony, evidence, and, frankly, more drama than I've seen in my entire career, we are here to deliver the final verdict."
The courtroom fell into an almost tangible silence, the anticipation so intense that even the faintest whisper seemed deafening. The jury filed in, their faces unreadable, holding the fate of both Jo and Alex in their hands.
"Will the jury foreperson please rise?" Judge Wallace said.
A middle-aged woman stood, her expression serious but calm. "Yes, Your Honor."
"Has the jury reached a verdict?"
"We have."
Judge Wallace gestured for her to continue, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone.
"In the matter of Jo Wilson v. Alex Karev and Izzie Stevens, regarding all accusations made by both parties, we find in favor of the plaintiff, Dr. Jo Wilson."
The courtroom erupted into murmurs and gasps as Alex's smug facade cracked, his face reddening with anger. Jo exhaled a shaky breath, a small, victorious smile breaking through her calm exterior. Annalise placed a hand on her shoulder, her own expression one of satisfied triumph.
Judge Wallace banged her gavel sharply. "Order! The court has spoken. This case is now concluded. I sincerely hope all parties involved can use this as an opportunity to move forward in their lives. Court is adjourned."
As the gavel fell for the final time, the courtroom dissolved into chaos. Reporters rushed to the front to catch reactions, and Alex stood abruptly, his face a mixture of fury and defiance. He turned to Connor, grabbing him by the lapels of his jacket, and pulled him into a deep kiss, right there in front of the stunned gallery.
When they finally broke apart, Alex turned toward the reporters, his voice loud and bitter. "You know what? Screw Izzie. She's irrelevant. Jo may have won this stupid case, but at least I've got Connor."
The gallery buzzed with shocked murmurs as Alex and Connor left the courtroom hand in hand, leaving Izzie, who had shown up late once again, standing frozen at the door. Her face was pale with shock, but before she could say anything, Annalise walked up to her with a smirk.
"By the way, Izzie," Annalise said smoothly, "thanks for being such a good sport. That kiss? Strategic. Nothing personal." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking confidently against the marble floor.
Jo and Annalise made their way outside, where a throng of reporters and well-wishers awaited. Jo was immediately surrounded by her colleagues from Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital—Meredith Grey, Atticus Lincoln (Link), Miranda Bailey, and others—all offering congratulations.
"Jo, you were incredible," Meredith said, pulling her into a hug. "I've never been prouder."
Link grinned. "You're a badass, Jo. Honestly, I think the whole hospital was rooting for you."
Bailey nodded, her expression one of approval. "You fought with integrity. That's what matters."
As the group celebrated, Jo turned to Annalise, her expression a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Annalise, I have to ask—how did you know we'd win?"
Annalise smirked, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Jo, your truths were powerful enough on their own, but sometimes, you need a little strategy. And kissing Izzie? That was the move. It threw Alex off his game and sealed the deal."
Jo blinked, half-amused, half-shocked. "So, you're telling me we won because you kissed Izzie?"
"Partially," Annalise said with a shrug. "But mostly because you stood your ground and told the truth. That's what made the jury believe in you."
Jo smiled, the weight of the past twenty-five days lifting from her shoulders. "Thank you, Annalise. For everything."
Annalise nodded, her expression softening. "You earned this, Jo. Now go enjoy your victory."
As the crowd of supporters and reporters cheered, Jo finally allowed herself to relax, basking in the knowledge that she had not only won her case but also reclaimed her dignity and truth. The trial that had consumed her life for nearly a month was over, and she had come out stronger on the other side.
And as for Alex? Somewhere in the chaos, he and Connor had disappeared into the crowd, their future uncertain but no longer her concern. Jo had won, and that was all that mattered.