Chapter 23 of “The Art Thief” dives deeply into the increasingly tense and complex relationship between Breitwieser and Anne-Catherine. In this chapter, Anne-Catherine is confronted with a life-altering decision: whether to continue her tumultuous relationship with Breitwieser, despite the overwhelming consequences that their criminal activities have brought upon her. As their life together becomes more entangled in theft, Anne-Catherine shows her willingness to compromise, choosing to stay with him even though she is aware of the potential dangers that their criminal lifestyle may bring. Her decision, however, comes with deep emotional turmoil. It reveals the internal battle she faces, torn between her affection for Breitwieser and the growing awareness of the toll his actions have had on her well-being. This chapter paints a vivid picture of a love that is simultaneously a source of comfort and a destructive force in Anne-Catherine’s life.

In an attempt to regain control of their reckless lifestyle, Anne-Catherine suggests a truce between the two, urging for less frequent thefts and a more cautious approach to their criminal activities. She even proposes that Switzerland, where they had previously been arrested, should be off-limits. However, despite this initial agreement, Breitwieser’s addiction to the thrill of stealing proves too powerful to ignore. During a trip to Paris, his compulsion overpowers the truce, and he impulsively steals a valuable painting from an auction house. Anne-Catherine reluctantly acts as his lookout, trying to maintain some level of control, but Breitwieser’s desire for art becomes all-consuming. The success of the heist only fuels his craving for more, and the two manage to avoid capture, though the consequences of their actions continue to hang over them like a dark cloud. This event underscores the complexity of their dynamic—while Anne-Catherine tries to navigate their world, Breitwieser continues to spiral deeper into his obsession with art and the thrill of theft.

In the days that follow, Breitwieser’s compulsion only grows stronger, leading him to disregard Anne-Catherine’s earlier compromise. As they continue their journey through France, he claims more art, ignoring her concerns and further deepening their involvement in a criminal lifestyle. Their relationship is analyzed by therapist César Redondo, who notes a troubling power imbalance, suggesting that Anne-Catherine may not just be an accomplice, but a victim of emotional manipulation, or possibly even physical abuse by Breitwieser. Despite these concerns, those close to Anne-Catherine observe that she isn’t entirely powerless in the relationship. She holds a stable job, maintaining some level of independence, and is not entirely dependent on Breitwieser. However, her emotional connection to him and her sense of duty to the relationship seem to trap her in a cycle of unhealthy behavior, where she sacrifices her own well-being for the sake of maintaining their bond.

The turning point of their relationship comes when Breitwieser discovers that Anne-Catherine had an abortion in secret. Feeling deeply betrayed by her secrecy, he lashes out in a fit of rage, confronting her violently. In a moment of uncontrollable anger, he slaps her, an act that profoundly shakes Anne-Catherine to her core. The emotional and physical abuse serves as the breaking point in their already fragile relationship. Anne-Catherine, now deeply hurt and exhausted from the turmoil, makes the painful decision to leave Breitwieser and return to her parents’ home for safety and refuge. This moment marks a critical shift in their dynamic—what was once a passionate and reckless relationship built on love and shared criminal activity has now become emotionally abusive, and it is clear that they can no longer sustain their bond. Anne-Catherine’s departure signals the end of their tumultuous relationship, as the consequences of their actions and their toxic behavior have finally reached an irreversible point.