Caroline squeezed up beside him and hooked her arm through his.
"I heard you do investments? Check out my Dylan!"
"His singing is amazing. We're all family now—just casually throw in a few million, put out an album?"
Colin pulled his arm free.
"Sorry, I invest in the real economy. I'm not familiar with entertainment."
Caroline's face darkened. She turned to Mom.
"Mom! Did you hear that? Who does he think he is?"
Mom set her teacup down hard.
"Colin, you're about to be family. You won't even help with this little thing?"
"And that three hundred thousand in bride price you gave Georgia—it still hasn't hit our account. Care to explain?"
I jerked my head up.
"What bride price? That three hundred thousand was my—"
"Shut up!"
Mom glared daggers at me, then turned back to Colin, eyes calculating.
"We want another sixty-six thousand as a 'leaving-mother fee.' And it goes directly into my hands."
"And also, don't you have a few vacant apartments under your name?"
"Transfer one to Carrie as her dowry. A little gesture from Georgia."
"Mom!"
I shot to my feet.
"Are you selling your daughter?! Colin has already given plenty. That three hundred thousand is my own money!"
"Shut your mouth!"