At the next supervised family-court conference, Helen and Priya presented a joint proposal.

Camilla was seeking recognition of her parentage and a structured plan to build a relationship with Chloe.

I supported that request.

The court would retain oversight of any correction to the old adoption records, while safeguarding Chloe’s established home and routine during the proceedings.

A guardian ad litem had been appointed to give the court an independent view of her interests.

Nothing would be resolved by a judge’s single dramatic speech.