Damian’s expression shifted from smug confidence to a kind of wary curiosity. He shot a glance at his lawyer, who returned it with a slight shrug, neither of them quite prepared for what was about to unfold.

Zaden pressed play, and the courtroom was filled with the crackling sound of a poorly recorded audio clip. It was Damian’s voice, unmistakably, laced with impatience and irritation. “You’re going to tell the judge you want to live with me, right? I’ve explained why this is best for you. You want to make me happy, don’t you?”

There was a pause, and then Zaden replied in the recording, his voice small and uncertain, “But I like living with Mom. I don’t want to lie.”