This trap is very easy to fall in to, some 30 odd years ago I did much the same, but I do have a marriage certificate for my pains !
Seriously, how on earth does a punter ( anyone ) get in to this much of a mess, I’m baffled if this is true, and how do you know her other regulars, if you have discussed it with these other regulars ? can’t believe you continued to fall for her scamming. If true, she’s one clever cookie and her regulars quite the opposite !