The next day, she asked to meet Eleanor again—but this time, I went with her. Face to face, Ava told her grandmother she knew the truth and would not be manipulated again. Then she walked away, leaving Eleanor speechless. In the car afterward, Ava whispered, “I wanted her to be good.” I took her hand and said, “You’ve always been wanted, Ava. By me. Always.” For the first time in months, she squeezed my hand back.