“Thank you, Zaden,” the judge said, his tone softening. “That was very brave of you.”

The judge turned his attention back to Damian. “Mr. Carter, it seems there’s more to this request than you initially presented. Zaden’s recording suggests coercion rather than a genuine desire to change living arrangements.”

Damian opened his mouth to protest, but the judge raised a hand to silence him. “We will take a short recess,” he announced, “to consider the implications of this new evidence.”