Ok, first of all he is an addict. He is NOT in recovery. This is what addicts do, it was written by the fellow that started this site years ago:
What Addicts Do
My name's Jon. I'm an addict. And this is what addicts do. You cannot nor will not change my behavior. You cannot make me treat you better, let alone with any respect. All I care about, all I think about, is my needs and how to go about fufilling them. You are a tool to me, something to use. When I say I love you I am lying through my teeth, because love is impossible for someone in active addiction. I wouldn't be using if I loved myself, and since I don't, I cannot love you.
My feelings are so pushed down and numbed by my drugs that I could be considered sociopathic. I have no empathy for you or anyone else. It doesn't faze me that I hurt you, leave you hungry, lie to you, cheat on you and steal from you.
My behavior cannot and will not change until i make a decison to stop using/drinking and then follow it up with a plan of action.
And until I make that decsion, I will hurt you again and again and again.
Stop being surprised.
I am an addict. And that's what addicts do.
Also, addict lie a lot. Figure every time he says anything it is a lie. (I am in recovery from alcohol and drugs for almost 31 continuous years now. I am also in Alanon for almost 28 years now.) I know it was true of me and every one I know and have worked with over the years.
You are correct with your 'title', this was pure MANIPULATION!
Your meetings are none of his business. And you can effectively go no contact, by telling him that you will only talk to him if it is about your toddler. As soon as he goes off topic, say 'BYE' and hang up the phone. He will eventually get it, maybe, but when you repeatedly do not talk to him about anything but your child, it will sink in.
There is no reason that you need to stay on the phone with a man child that is still belittling and trying to push your buttons. Remember we are walking with you in spirit.
Love and hugs,