AIO? I went through my bestfriend’s phone without her permission.. she’s 17 he’s 26

Two days ago, my(17F) best friend(17F) told me about a guy she was talking to, and I was shocked when I heard his age. 26. She has never met him atleast.

I obviously didn’t handle it well. I freaked out, told her to block him, and even threatened to tell her parents. But I’d never actually do that–her parents are horrible. They’d beat her so bad and lock her in or something. They don’t even let her talk to guys her age.. I shouldn’t have said it. I should’ve handled it better.

Still, I had a gut feeling she was lying about blocking him. So… I checked her phone.., again – i Crossed a boundary… but I was right.

She’s still talking to him. And these messages?? They’re beyond messed up. I don’t know what to do or how to make her understand.

The thing is. I do understand. I was once in her place. No one knows , I realized it on my own and ghosted him. My situation was even worse , he was even older. I know how deep the manipulation runs, how easy it is to believe someone like that when they make you feel special. And yet… I still handled this so badly.

Age of conceng is 17 here , so nothing wrong leagally… But my concern is valid right ?? 26 is too much..I hope I am not just reacting to my own trauma…