No one believed that. Not even him.
His lawyer closed his folder with quiet finality.
The judge’s tone sharpened. “You filed this matter on grounds suggesting mutual breakdown and requested favorable consideration in custody arrangements based partly on your claim of household stability. Yet this video appears to show ongoing deception in the marital home, in the presence—or near presence—of your minor child.”
Daniel swallowed. “I made mistakes.”
“Mistakes?” the judge repeated. “Your daughter secretly recorded evidence because she felt the truth would not otherwise be heard.”
Daniel finally turned toward Emma. “You had no right—”
“Enough,” the judge said, cutting through the room like a blade.
It was the first moment all morning that someone sounded angrier than I felt.
