Tracy Smith

In the wine business, Dahl's lawyers say, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

And they insist Imad Tofilas was the real villain in this business deal.

You think this was a scam for Imad?

It's still a mystery where all that cash came from.

But Dahl's lawyers say Imad was so angry, he was determined to destroy Robert Dahl's business.

With no business to operate, Dahl couldn't earn any money to pay off the debts he owed to Emad and others.

And then, surprisingly, there was a breakthrough.

It looked as if Emad might get more of his money back.

The lawyers had come to a deal and Imad and Robert were going to get together to hammer out the details.

Robert wanted to meet here at his vineyard.

Emad and Robert were there in person.

Their attorneys joined them on a conference call.

It was eerily calm.

But then Robert Dahl rocked the boat.

And he said, well, I don't give an S what the lawyers negotiated.

This is my offer.

What seemed to be a nearly done deal suddenly started unraveling.

The lawyers felt it was a breakdown that Emad and Robert should deal with themselves.

So both lawyers got off the phone.

Both expected to hear right back from their clients.