Gru successfully executes the cookie-robot heist, infiltrating Vector's fortress to steal the Shrink Ray. However, as Gru bonds with the girls, Dr. Nefario arranges for Miss Hattie to take them back to refocus Gru on villainy. Heartbroken, Gru executes the Moon heist alone, shrinking the Moon to pocket size. Rushing back to attend the girls' ballet recital, he discovers they have been kidnapped by Vector in exchange for the Moon.
When Gru surrenders the Moon, Vector reneges on the deal. Fortunately, Dr. Nefario discovers that the Shrink Ray's effect is temporary and scales with mass, causing the Moon to rapidly expand inside Vector's fortress. Gru performs a daring aerial rescue, catching Margo in free-fall while Vector is launched into orbit, stranded on the restored Moon. In the resolution, Gru retires from villainy to officially adopt the girls, and his mother Marlena finally validates him by affirming that he became a wonderful father.