Later letters became shorter.

Finally there was one sentence: I don’t know which version of you is real, but I hope someday our daughter knows she was wanted.

The next day, Sandra arranged for a specialist in adoption law, Helen Mercer, to review the existing orders.

Helen warned me that even if the original placement had been secured through fraud, reopening it would involve hearings, notice to interested parties, expert evidence, and an independent assessment of Chloe’s best interests.

Our relationship as father and daughter would not be treated lightly simply because new adults appeared with claims.