I would be bet she was the handler.
Saw an article that at a Starbucks the two would frequent most every day the baristas dreaded the couple coming in because he treated her like dirt and didn’t mind who saw it. She wanted to use some sort of gambling card and he jumped all over her saying “I paid for this just like I paid for you” or words to that effect. She backed right down. Wouldn’t be surprised if he was physically abusive. Sort of sounds like she stayed for the money and maybe her culture accepts women being treated like that.
Heck, I ain’t betting against that !