The adults stared at the evidence the children had unconsciously gathered, a complete documentation of two families genuinely falling for each other, recorded with the innocent thoroughness only children possessed.
"Girls," Victoria said slowly, "do you realize what you've done?"
"Prove that adults are bad at paying attention to important stuff," Emma suggested hopefully.
Judge Caldwell was examining the phone's photo timeline with professional interest.
"These metadata stamps show that your families have been in regular contact for weeks with consistent emotional evidence of genuine affection. This completely contradicts Wells's narrative about manufactured romance."
David Kim was already making notes on his tablet. "We can have our tech team verify the authenticity of all these files. It's ironclad proof that the relationship developed naturally over time."
"But there's something even better," Emma announced, pulling up one final video. "Show them the good one, Mia."
Mia beamed and played a video she had apparently filmed secretly the day before. It showed Ethan in his shop talking to Mrs. Chen about Victoria while working on a car engine.
"She makes me feel like maybe I deserve good things again. Like maybe it's okay to hope for a future that's bigger than just getting by. Emma and Mia are already like sisters and Victoria... God. Mrs. Chen, I think I'm falling in love with her, which is crazy, right? A woman like that with a guy like me."
Mrs. Chen's response was equally clear. "Love isn't about matching bank accounts, Ethan. It's about matching hearts, and that woman's heart matches yours perfectly."
The lobby had grown quiet again as other guests unconsciously drifted closer to hear the audio. When the video ended, Judge Caldwell was shaking his head in amazement.
"These children have just handed us the most authentic evidence of genuine affection I've ever seen in a courtroom. No lawyer could fabricate this level of detailed, consistent emotional documentation."
Emma looked up at Ethan and Victoria with the satisfied expression of someone who just solved a complex puzzle.
"So now, can we get back to the important question? Are you going to marry Mom or not? Because Mia and I have already planned the wedding and we really don't want to have to cancel the flower orders."
Victoria looked at Ethan, tears in her eyes, but laughter in her voice. "I think our daughters just saved us from a public relations nightmare while simultaneously proposing marriage on our behalf."
"They're terrifyingly efficient," Ethan agreed, pulling Victoria closer. "Though they might want to let the actual adults handle the proposal part."
"So, does that mean you're going to do it properly?" Emma asked hopefully. "Because the orchestra is about to start, and if you're going to ask her to marry you, this would be super romantic timing."
Ethan looked around at the crowd of Phoenix's most influential citizens, all watching with rapt attention. He thought about his father's shop, his daughter's future, and the incredible woman who'd entered their lives through a simple act of kindness.