My mother-in-law poured something strange into my drink when she thought I wasn’t looking, I swapped glasses with her husband and then…

I met him at his country club. He was waiting in a private room drinking bourbon. Julian, he began.

Families are complicated. My wife, she can be difficult, protective, but she means well. Drugging someone means well? I asked.

He waved his hand dismissively. A misunderstanding. Diane takes medication for anxiety.

She probably mixed up the glasses. I have the security footage, Gerald. His face changed instantly, hardening into something cold and calculating.

What do you want? Money? Is that what this is about? I always knew you married Haley for financial reasons. I want you both to leave us alone, I said simply. Stop trying to convince Haley I’m not good enough.

Stop interfering in our marriage. Gerald leaned forward. You think this is the first time we’ve dealt with someone like you? People who want to take advantage of our family? He laughed.

Haley will come home where she belongs, she always does. Ask her about Thomas. Ask her about the fiancé before you.

I felt cold. What are you talking about? Haley was engaged before she met you. Nice guy, doctor.

We didn’t like his background. Took us six months to convince her he was wrong for her. She broke it off.

Came home crying to daddy. He smiled. History repeats, son.

On the drive home, I called Haley’s college roommate, Bethany. Asked her about Thomas. Oh God, she said.

That was awful. He was perfect for her, but her parents, they convinced her he was cheating. Planted evidence.

He tried to tell her the truth, but by then she didn’t trust him anymore. The pattern was clear now. This wasn’t just about me.

It was about control. Complete control over their daughter’s life. And they’d done it before.

I didn’t confront Haley immediately. Instead, I started gathering every piece of evidence I could find. I reached out to Thomas, who was initially reluctant to speak with me.

When I explained the situation, he sent me old emails between him and Haley, showing how her parents had systematically undermined their relationship. I contacted other ex-boyfriends, old friends of Haley’s who’d mysteriously drifted away. A pattern emerged.

Anyone who encouraged Haley’s independence was gradually pushed out of her life. Vanessa provided more security footage, showing Diane and Gerald discussing their plans for us. Once they divorce, we’ll convince her to move back home, Gerald said in one clip…