Part 2: I discovered my husband was having an affair with my best friend while we were all on the same airplane—and neither of them knew I was there. Instead of confronting them, I sent a small, beautifully wrapped gift to their seats.

Someone whose objections could be dismissed.

Someone whose children might need to be taken care of by someone else.

My throat tightened.

"Mom, do you still have the document?"

She nodded.

"In my bag."

I immediately photographed it and sent it to Priya.

The document contained statements about my supposed inability to make decisions.

At the bottom was a signature line for Mom.

Beneath it was another name.

MEGAN MERCER — PROPOSED EMERGENCY CAREGIVER.

I stared at the page.

My husband's mistress.

The woman who'd hidden Dawson's son.

Ryan wanted her to care for my children.

A cold certainty settled over me.

This wasn't just an affair.

They were trying to replace our marriages with a new family.

And they were preparing to bring the children along.

I called Laurel immediately.

She didn't answer.

I tried again.

Then a third time.

Finally, she picked up.

"Claire?"

Her voice sounded frightened.

"Where are Lucy and Sam?"