It confirmed the validity of the scores and criticized attempts by several sponsor representatives to seek privileged influence.

The report named the consulting arrangement connected to Cordelia’s adviser and recommended stricter safeguards for future events.

Reporters called me for comment.

Some wanted a dramatic account of discovering my daughters.

Others asked whether the competition had been rigged in their favor.

The second question made me angrier than the first, because it revealed how quickly extraordinary young women could be reduced to supporting characters in an adult scandal.

I prepared a short statement and sent it to Marianne for review, not because she owed me editorial help, but because I did not want to expose the girls to further attention without warning.