Cynthia Dion:

"Hmm, well, she can make her own decisions," Mr. Holt responded nonchalantly, dismissing the topic as he headed to the couch to retrieve his jacket.

My father's disappointment was palpable now that his scheme hadn't yielded the desired results. But what exactly was he trying to achieve?

"Have a good night," Mr. Holt bid farewell, draping his jacket over his arm and nodding to my father. Just before he walked past us, his gaze briefly met mine, causing a ...