But it wasn’t just the photos. The phone contained videos, too. My heart pounded painfully in my chest as I played the first one. It was a video taken in what appeared to be a hotel room. Ashley and the man, laughing together, were discussing plans that seemed to revolve around Matthew. The words were casual yet chilling, hints of manipulation and deceit lacing their banter. It was the kind of conversation that felt like a punch to the gut, leaving no doubt that their intentions were far from innocent.

I sat down on the bed, the weight of what I had discovered pressing down on me. I had loved Ashley like my own daughter, had welcomed her into our family with open arms. And yet, here was irrefutable proof of her betrayal, hidden in the folds of a blanket meant to keep my granddaughter warm and safe.