Cynthia Dion: 

"But I'm the one footing the bill for her," Mr. Beret interjected, reminding my father of their prior agreement.

"And I'm more than willing to pay triple the amount originally offered for her," Mr. Holt said as he produced his checkbook. My dad's eyes lit up with excitement; he knew he had struck gold.

"What's happening here? We've already settled this. She's my br---," Mr. Beret looked as if he'd seen a ghost. The thought of losing me as his prospective ...