as children with individual needs and more as part of the family image he wanted to create.

Once I have full custody, we’ll have the complete family package, one message read. Your dad will see I’m executive material.

In another exchange, Victoria asked: What if Mariana fights it?

Julian replied: “She can’t fight. She has no job, no money, and no resources.”

The court will hand them to me.

The courtroom became completely quiet. Julian began tapping his shoe nervously against the floor. His attorney quickly objected, questioning whether the messages had been properly authenticated, but Richard produced a digital forensic report confirming the relevant metadata.

Then the judge requested the child advocate’s report.

The advocate stepped forward and summarized her interview with the twins, asking that the court permit their statements to be heard using an age-appropriate and sensitive procedure.

Mateo and Sophia entered through a

side door accompanied by a court counselor. Sophia wore a long-sleeved sweater that covered her left arm.

Julian leaned forward and offered an unusually enthusiastic smile. “Hey there, champ!” he whispered loudly toward Mateo.

Mateo looked toward his father but didn’t smile back. Instead, he held his sister’s hand tightly.

The judge leaned slightly forward, speaking to both children in a gentle, reassuring voice. She explained that their mother and father would be living in separate homes and that her responsibility was to make sure they felt secure.

“You don’t need to say what Mommy wants, and you don’t need to say what Daddy wants,” the judge told them gently. “I only want you to tell me how you feel.”

Mateo looked toward the bench. “I want to stay with my mommy.”

Julian’s smile disappeared.

“Can you tell me why, Mateo?” the judge asked.

Mateo paused for a