As he rose to power as leader of the Nazi Party, Hitler kept a tight rein over his half-niece and behaved in a domineering and possessive manner.[53] When he discovered she was having a relationship with his chauffeur, Emil Maurice, he forced an end to the affair and dismissed Maurice from his personal service.[52][54] After that he did not allow her to freely associate with friends, and attempted to have himself or someone he trusted near her at all times, accompanying her on shopping trips, to the movies, and to the opera.[53]