MIAMI TRAVELS
Good, you got the message.
I can't drop off Jude as we planned.
Can you help us choose?
Choose what?
Horse riding trip.
This is the final horse-riding trip.
Let me see.
Wahiba Desert.
Its sand dunes and valleys are amazing.
"For serious horse riders only."
They say it's heaven on earth.
Um Jude?
If you were the one to take her,
where would you choose?
It's Jude's choice.
Of course. It's her choice, not yours.
But be a good mother for once and guide her.
I know you're very excited about the trip,
but don't get your hopes up.
You mean he won't take me?
You know what?
Never mind.
You'll go, do great, and celebrate your win.
This is our last day preparing.
They'll ask tough questions in Cairo.
Now, let's move to the Q&A.
I would like to know
how you'll manage this growth
while your husband, the "architect of your success," is gone.
That's an important question. All the big companies change over time--
"Evolve."
The word we have chosen is "evolve."
All big companies
evolve over time.
I'm fortunate my husband let me evolve with our company.
And I'm more fortunate now that I get to evolve this legacy
with our son.
Speaking of your son,
can he explain more about the Giza Project, Alpha's biggest loss?
He was the source of its failure.
"The Giza hotel-casino was disappointing,
and we remain distressed about it until now
because some of our investors didn't take back their shares."
Some? Or all of them?
"But we learned key lessons from the Giza Project,
and we'll apply those lessons to the Failaka Project, etc."
Well, tell us how you'll find time to run a huge company like Alpha
while you match your socks with pocket squares.
Oh, come on.
No one at the summit will ask me about my socks.
Honestly, they're eye-catching.
Hasan, Walid, stick to your roles as photographers.
I think we've practiced enough.
Not bad. Let's take a ten-minute break.
Oh, I feel so happy!
This is the most fun I've had since I started this job.
More fun than working with Saud?
But you have a point.
We made Rakan and Sabiha sweat for a change.
I'll have to keep him in line in Cairo.
You know, Farida,
if you were coming to Cairo with us,
I would've taken you and gone dancing in Zamalek.
Dancing? Right!
The last time we went dancing was when I visited you at university.
You got jealous when boys talked to me, and you left me on the subway.
-Did I? -You know you did!
We were young, but now we're adults.
The rehearsal was excellent.
Especially Sabiha and Rakan.
Now, who is ready for Cairo?
The Arab Investors' Summit will be held there for four days.
It's make-or-break.
You're right to be excited. We're all going.
He forgot you're not coming.
But it's not an entertainment show.
Our goal from that trip is to secure 70% of our capitalization.
Laith Nasir and Saud Salim, our potential anchor investor…
I told Mishari to flag it as our top-priority meeting.
Of course.
And special thanks to Farida for connecting us with Laith and Saud.
As a reward for bringing in Laith,
you'll join us in Cairo.
But Mishari mentioned budget concerns.
We shouldn't be expanding the costs.
Munira, I appreciate your concerns.
But Saud insisted that Farida join us.
It'd be a mistake not to include her.
I hope it's not a last-minute invitation.
All eyes are on you.
I would love to join for sure,
but my daughter has a riding championship on Friday.
Can I miss the last day and fly home?
It's okay. No problem. Mishari will arrange it for you.
See you all bright and early tomorrow.
Don't be late.
I'm glad you came around on Alpha. We'll have a good partnership.
Sure.
It worked well last time.
It seems like you're growing soft with old age.
Me? Growing soft?
Then how do you justify helping Bank of Tomorrow with Alpha
after you swore you wouldn't?
Farida made a very compelling pitch.
More compelling than mine?
Sometimes it's not what's said but who says it.
I assume you shared that with Amir?
Maybe.
I told him it would help to have Farida in Cairo.
But why do you ask?
What?
For me?
No way!
Juju!
But it must be expensive.
Now you'll show up to my competition in style.
About the competition.
I have to travel to Cairo tomorrow morning for work.
Tomorrow?
Will you miss the competition?
I'll definitely be there. I promise I'll come.
I asked to leave early for the competition.
But I'll be gone for two days. Do you think you'll be okay?
I'm not a kid.
Well, maybe I won't be okay. Have you thought about that?
When did Mama Nojood take you shopping?
I didn't go with Mama Nojood. I went with Rose.
Bless him, the man is raising a white flag.
He made generous concessions.
He said you can keep working
since you love it, and he has no issue with that.
And in the future, if you wish to start your own company,
he won't mind,
and he's willing to fund whatever you agree on.
Did you discuss the inheritance?
I mean,
Qassar is an old man, and he has daughters from a previous marriage.
I'll be happy if he agrees to my condition.
I won't give him an heir.
I cannot talk about these subjects with another man.
You can talk about it with him once you're married.
I want to make my terms clear right from the start.
And Dad, I don't think
you'd want to start a flawed deal with a new partner.
Munira, honey, you're 33 years old.
I'm afraid you may not have children later.
I'm not leaving it to luck.
Either you talk to him or I will.
Since you're being ungrateful and not appreciating what's offered,
I'll talk to him.
Mom.
Why didn't you take Jude shopping for the hat?
I would have, but she wanted to go with her friend, so I let her.
-Why? What happened? -"What happened?"
Mom, can you watch her closely while I'm gone?
I don't want her spending time with this girl I don't know!
If you're making such conditions, stay home and raise her yourself.
-Mom! -What?
I'm not willing to take on all the responsibility for her
while you're out there touring the pyramids!
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean it. I need you.
I'm stressed about traveling and leaving Jude. Do you get me?
Can you please keep an eye on her?
If you're that worried, I will keep an eye on her.
But you haven't told me, what sightseeing do you have planned?
Tell me!
It's a work trip. I'll just be at the hotel.
I think it's a good project, and we will invest in it.
To put it simply, it's a dream project.
A fantasy is coming to life.
How do we know Failaka won't end up like the Giza Project?
We're still disappointed by the Giza Project
and distressed some investors didn't reclaim their shares.
Some?
It was a tough lesson.
But we learned a lot from it.
I don't think it will happen again.
It was…
It was truly a tough lesson.
What is it?
Who are you?
Look.
Let's do it, but wait for the check. Then you can save me.
Come, honey. Where is your mom?
It's fine.
Let's continue.
I feel like the little girl has cast a spell on me.
How about we tell them
that we're in?
It looks like we'll celebrate tonight.
Cheer up.
Finally, we found an anchor investor.
Did you notice no one else is sharing a room?
Yeah, like what Amir said.
We're cousins. Our mothers are sisters, dear.
No, dear. You were added last minute, and now I have to suffer for it.
Fine. Do you know why?
I deserve to be here.
Munier!
Let's go dancing.
The glitter in your hair matches the glitter on my dress.
How awesome!
"How awesome!"
-We're not going dancing tonight. -Oh, come on! I still have energy.
Let's relive the good old days.
There's no time. Our first pitch is at nine in the morning.
Let's dance on the last night when we're sure all has gone well.
Really?
You know I won't be here on the last night.
Jude's championship.
Sorry, I forgot.
But you've prioritized your dull personal life
over your career, which will be very short-lived.
Do you know what?
I hope you never experience being a single working mom!
And I hope you never prioritize dancing over making money.
How? Dancing was your idea.
I'm talking to you.
You need a hair salon to get that out.
Where will I find a hair salon open before 9:00 a.m.?
Farida Salon. How can I help you?
There's nothing I want less.
See? I told you we should've gone out.
We could've let off steam.
The glitter in my hair is making my scalp itch. I can't sleep.
Shame on the fairy dust. It has a negative effect on you.
That girl reminded me of leaving Jude alone.
Believe it or not, Munira, I've never spent a night away from her
in the past 13 years.
Can you not talk about Jude in front of me?
It's like a reminder of what I lack.
Really?
Since when do you want to have kids? You don't want them.
How do you know that?
No!
What's wrong with you?
You're usually mean, not sad. What's wrong?
My time has run out at home.
My parents have found a suitor for me.
Never mind. They love you, too much to let you spoil your youth.
Trust me, this is not about love.
You know, I've never lived this suitor experience.
I only knew Omar, and we married quickly. A disaster.
And you gave up everything for him, even London.
Anyway, you always find a way out. I'm not worried about you.
Not this time.
There's no way out.
This trip was my only chance to be on my own.
Until you came and ruined that for me.
Who's the suitor?
Does it matter?
It does. Who is he?
It doesn't matter to me.
It's a bad deal anyway.
Munira, don't agree to this.
I don't have a choice.
You know what?
It's my fault. It is.
I had another choice.
Do you mean Saud?
How was the riding class?
My instructor added another jump to my competition ride.
You surely impressed her.
I only did one jump in my first competition.
I didn't train as much as you.
Yeah, but Rose thinks it's too much for me.
Well, she's not your instructor.
Okay, Mom. Mama Nojood wants to talk to you.
Farida, Omar wants you to talk to him.
-Call him. -Omar?
-What is it now? -I don't know.
He asked me to pass on the message.
Okay.
-Okay, Mom. I'll try. Bye. -Bye.
Good morning.
Did you sleep well?
Despite Farida's snoring all night, I slept well.
I'm well-rested.
-I need my energy today. -You'll knock them dead.
See, I signed,
even though I have concerns about the Giza Project.
You have concerns about Rakan.
His father didn't have faith in him, so why should I?
I heard you were spreading rumors,
but I don't understand.
Why did you invest?
I'm investing in the IPO's short-term opportunity,
not the long-term future of Alpha.
You haven't told me, what is Amir's target for today?
He wants us to raise 30 million in pitch money, but how?
Unbelievable.
Nervous?
Have you ever seen me nervous?
I've seen you get cold feet.
Come here.
I won't bite.
Come here.
The spell of the fairy princess.
I must go. We'll be moving in ten minutes.
Good luck, partner.
The most important thing today is to get the 30 million.
Keep in mind that if we can't get that,
we'll be in a tough situation, and the project might fail.
Where is Farida?
Hello?
What is it, Omar? Mom said you wanted to talk to me.
-Your mom's tired. -What do you want?
Your mother's been playing Jude's mom this week.
A week? It's only two nights.
You're underestimating the problem.
Our daughter needs a mother who takes care of her,
not one who is prioritizing work over her.
Do you want to fight? Tired of fighting yourself, huh?
Omar, I'm really busy today.
-Find someone else to pick on. -Wait.
Jude's competition.
Are you coming?
For the millionth time, yes!
I made arrangements, and Jude knows I'll be there, so enough!
You have to be there.
Bye!
I apologize. I'm sorry for being late.
I hope today ends well.
We're ready.
I'm ready.
Then let's sell.
Hello.
MOROCCO - OMAN - SAUDI ARABIA
LIBYA
EMIRATES
Tell me.
I got 19,980,000 out of 30 million.
How much?
ARAB INVESTORS SUMMIT
Farida, let's talk outside.
I'm worried that we might not achieve our goal.
This is why we have to keep the team together.
I know this isn't what we agreed to,
but I'd like you to stay till the end.
Let it be your priority, Farida.
What do you think about Rakan's answer regarding the Giza Project?
I agree with the advice you gave him. He must stick to the script.
Correct.
Poor Rakan.
He doesn't deserve his bad reputation.
His dad was hard on him.
I should've interfered more.
They say the hardest part of being a woman is playing more than one role.
I mastered all the roles I had to play.
I liked some roles more than others.
But you couldn't get everything, or all that you wanted.
It doesn't matter.
What matters is that I tried.
I heard Rakan invited you to dinner.
But you weren't hungry.
Even though I know you have a strong appetite.
Anyway, we're still interested.
Thank you. I'm flattered.
But from a professional standpoint, it's a conflict of interest.
And I don't want feelings to impact the IPO.
No.
This has nothing to do with feelings.
This will be a partnership.
And honestly, I've been watching you closely.
I think you and Rakan are a good match.
You know, Rakan, he doesn't even think about these things.
A bit of advice.
When you think about a future husband,
don't only think about the man, think about his family as well.
Our family sees a lot of potential in you.
We'd even let you choose the role you'd like.
Honestly, it's really appealing.
But unfortunately, I have another offer.
Really?
Anyway, we do love a friendly competition.
I tried to get out of it. I really did.
I can't make it to the championship.
But Mom…
But you promised you'd be there! You said it like five times!
You lied to me!
I didn't lie, Jude! That's unfair!
I'm upset about it more than you are, okay?
Dad said your trip would get in the way.
This isn't a trip! Your dad is…
Your dad has no idea of what I do and the nature of my work. Got it?
I have school and work tomorrow,
so I can become a woman who chooses her career over her daughter!
Okay, Jude. Good night.
Farida?
Is everything all right?
I can't talk about Jude.
Remember?
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
CAIRO, FEBRUARY 9TH 1988
May I?
Reviewing my notes before the press conference.
Surely you have comments.
Of course I do.
But I can't fix all your mistakes.
I don't know what happened with the Giza Project.
But I know that it wasn't your fault.
How can you be so sure?
I might be the person who understands you best.
I know what it's like to be forced to follow your father's plan.
The Giza Project was my dad's favorite project.
He was obsessed with the pyramids.
"Son."
"It's one of the wonders that's still standing today."
"The world's biggest tourist attraction. A hotel project in Giza cannot fail."
But he was wrong.
It wouldn't have failed
if Mom had managed the project as usual.
But she gave him all the power and made me report to him,
hoping it would bring us closer.
My father was greedy.
He spent half his time gambling in Cairo,
and the other half making impossible demands.
Till we lost everything.
And to save his reputation, he sacrificed yours.
I was his winning card.
He used me like a poker chip to win when the time was right.
It was my mother who single-handedly saved Alpha with her efforts.
But my father stole all the credit.
This is the whole story.
You remind me of her.
That's not something a woman would usually want to hear.
Most women aren't like my mother.
That's right.
Go on, then. Tell me.
-Give me your comments. -I…
My comments are clear. You can't say any of that in the conference.
They'll eat you alive.
But we'll stick to what we agreed on.
And most importantly,
you need to be confident in every word you say.
I got it.
Let's stick to the script.
-Hello. -Hello.
Hi.
RAMSIS FOR GIFTS AND ANTIQUES
I thought it was you.
Are you shopping?
I'm looking for something that says,
"I'm sorry, my dearest. Please forgive me."
So, something
serious.
And who are you apologizing to?
My daughter.
I've given that gift before, many times.
Really?
I have two daughters.
And two sons.
They all live with their mother, not with me.
So, you can imagine.
But let me warn you.
The older they get,
the more expensive the gifts become.
I was supposed to attend her first horseback riding competition.
At the Equestrian Club this weekend?
One of my horses is there.
This event is amazing.
Yes, but I won't make it, so…
Didn't I tell you this cake was worth skipping work for?
Sure!
My mom's skipping my competition for her silly job,
so why would I go to my dull job?
How come you have a job and I don't?
What? What do you do all day?
Lately, I've been looking for a husband.
I feel like I'll be a better wife than a student.
Yeah. Are you engaged?
No.
But soon.
-How do you know? -His gifts are getting more expensive.
Congratulations, Rose.
Who is he?
I won't tell you. You'll put the evil eye on me.
I saw you eyeing my earrings.
When I was young,
my father, rest his soul,
used to take me to the beach to play with seashells.
That was our entertainment back then.
But now…
Farida Ma'mun?
-…no time for playing… -An urgent call for you.
Things have changed now.
We are now investing
in big companies.
And Alpha
is one of the investments that will allow us to cooperate together.
Mom?
What's wrong?
What?
Is Jude okay? Mom?
Omar took Jude from the riding lessons.
Took her? What do you mean? Where?
I have no clue.
You're touring in Cairo, and I have to carry the burden?
Come ask him yourself.
You were supposed to watch her.
Thank God we're in great shape. We have no issues.
We only have time
for two questions.
-Go ahead. -About the Giza Project.
We talked about this in detail.
-You didn't say where my money is. -They wasted this man's money.
He lost his money.
As we previously stated, and I'd like to remind you again,
the Giza Project was really disappointing.
Because some investors couldn't take back their shares.
So we're really distressed about it.
I need compensation now.
Excuse me, sir.
If anyone wants to discuss this or any other matter,
they have to know all the details.
And if you know all the details regarding this project, then you must know
that my father is the one who lost all the money, not me.
I'm only here to justify his mistakes.
Why should we believe you? Only your mother can vouch for you.
I vouch for him.
Thank you, Manoura, for helping me keep my job.
You're welcome, Farouda. It's my duty.
But I can't take all the credit for myself.
And I won't say that what I did today in the IPO,
my little speech, is what saved the IPO.
What are you doing?
I must go back to Kuwait tonight.
I knew it. I should've bet money on it.
It's my daughter, Munira.
Same excuse.
This is the second time you've used the same excuse.
See? This is why I told you that you don't want children,
because you'd be a terrible mother.
Because you're so great at it.
Enough.
You know what? I was going to tell you let's go dancing at a disco club.
Why? So you could abandon me again?
I didn't abandon you.
So I'm the one who abandoned you?
Yes, you did.
When we went dancing in London,
did I leave you at the subway?
You left me.
You left London. You left the university.
I helped you get into university, and we had an apartment.
Why did you leave me and go back to Kuwait?
Because you left me at the subway all by myself.
Because you're selfish, demanding, and self-obsessed.
This is why you didn't get married.
Because you never care about anyone but yourself.
Really, Farida?
I only care about myself?
You're the one who went back to Kuwait.
You met Omar and didn't speak to me for three months.
I found out from my mother.
And why did you do that, Farida?
Have you asked yourself why, Munira?
Because it was easier.
Because you're weak, silly, and you couldn't keep up with me.
Because I had limitations that you didn't have!
My parents couldn't afford London expenses.
So I had to leave.
You had no idea.
But you! Look at all your parents have. Look at all they've given to you.
You have everything, so what have you done more than I did?
What have you done more? Tell me. Nothing!
You're still a kid. You're selfish, and you want more and more.
Because it's never enough!
I want more.
And more. And more.
Because I'm worth it.
And so are you.
But you know what your problem is?
You never demand your rights.
You accept whatever is given to you, whatever makes you get by.
You did that before with Omar.
And now you're doing it again here.
You're dragging us both down.
And I will not accept this.
I want more.
You understand?!
Saud called.
He's waiting downstairs.
Okay.
I'll keep this short.
Because I have big plans tonight that I must finish.
First of all, I want to thank Munira for her efforts.
Without her help tonight,
the conference could have gotten out of hand.
And with Rakan's performance,
I doubt that he'll be able to handle
the management of a publicly-held company.
So here's what we've decided.
I'm pulling all of Abu Nasir's money out.
And did Abu Nasir agree?
It's my decision.
The decision is mine alone.
We can cover the difference tomorrow with international funds.
The Failaka Project is desirable.
We all know that.
Anyway,
I wanted to deliver the news in person, out of courtesy.
Anyway,
I must go.
God, I'm late!
I can't disrupt
tonight's plans.
Take care, everyone.
You're still leaving after what you just heard?
-I'm sorry, Amir, but I have to. -For a horse-riding competition?
I'm sorry, Farida. I should've been more careful.
I should've kept a close eye on her. I'm sorry.
Never mind, Mom. It's not your fault.
This is what Omar does.
Sorry.
-Hello, Dad. -Hello.
-Hi.
-Hi, Mom. -Hello.
So you came back.
Anyway, I'm happy to see you, Um Jude.
The next contestant is Jude Omar,
riding her Arabian horse, Um Al Sahari.
Jude!
-Sit. -Jude must really focus
because the contestant, Rose, didn't lose any points.
Will it be easy to defeat Rose?
A great round for Jude, but she lost points on time.
Jude Omar, in third place.
Congratulations, dear.
As for first place, the winner is Rose Youssef, who truly earned it.
What is he doing?
Will you marry me?