[magical, upbeat music playing]
I like the bows more.
-Huh? -I like the bows more.
AL BAJAA ATELIER
You good?
Yeah, sorry.
What was that?
The bows are nicer.
And they're four times as expensive.
Why not these?
-Good. Practical. -Fine, I'll try them.
[Jinan] Farida.
Hey there.
[Jinan] Look, sweetie.
If you're feeling upset and don't want to say it, it's okay.
You can leave.
[chuckles] Look.
I'm here for Jude.
Jude doesn't need protection.
Actually, we looked after her during your vacation.
[Rose] Auntie? What do you think?
Wow! Amazing. Stunning.
Stunning. It looks amazing on you.
-Try to walk in it. -Okay.
Mashallah, you look beautiful.
Thank you.
We'll all look good at my wedding.
But I don't like these shoes. Could be better.
Uh, I like the, uh, Ferragamos with the bows.
Excuse me.
Get me the Ferragamo with the bows.
Her size, please.
Amazing.
-But it feels a bit loose. -[Jinan] They'll tighten it.
What?
I'll pay for it.
Listen to me.
Don't get into the habit of squandering money.
First, it was the Ascot hat. Thank you.
Now, these shoes.
Listen.
Overspending is a trap.
You'll never find your way out of it.
[tuts]
Didn't you get me a job so I'd learn all that by myself?
[Rose] The shoes are here.
[Farida sighs]
Show me.
Yes, they're much nicer. Much nicer.
Right, they're very cute.
[Rose] Trust me, you'll look stunning.
[Farida sighs]
Of course, she'll look stunning.
But no, it's too expensive.
-Omar will pay. -[Farida tuts]
It's not about money, Rose. It's not the money.
This has to do with principles.
It doesn't make sense to spend so much on something she'll only wear once.
But I'll try them on.
[theme music playing]
[Jude] Thank you.
Ah, what did you buy?
I bought… shoes.
[Nojood] How much are they?
[dramatic music playing]
What's wrong? Is it something at work?
[Farida] I wish, Dad.
Work is the least of my concerns.
When is the IPO for Alpha?
In two days.
Why, Dad? What's wrong?
Ethically, I cannot give you much information,
but, uh, there's an issue with your island.
Failaka? Why? Wha…
Dad, please tell me. I insist.
Uh, sorry. I can't say anything else.
Sorry.
We all agreed
that the traders must have full confidence in Rakan.
Especially… in two days,
when we launch the IPO.
You'd like me to seal the marriage contract?
[Sabiha] Hmm.
What's in it for me?
You're marrying into a family that will support you
and that will bring you wealth.
[chuckles]
Any other woman would accept these terms.
But I am Munira Hijazi.
I mean, what will I gain in particular?
State your terms, and let's discuss.
[Munira] Mmm.
A position in the firm.
-Executive. -[Sabiha] Hmm.
What about financial manager?
Just like I started out.
I want the CEO position.
I am the CEO.
We could agree to make you assistant CEO.
So a lion with no fangs.
But with claws.
With all due respect, Mrs. Sabiha,
I can't be in your shoes.
-[Sabiha] What do you mean? -[chuckles]
I mean, doing all the work
and my dear husband gets all the credit.
[Sabiha tuts]
I got to where I am today
through toil and effort.
You can get where you want through hard work.
So… we have a deal?
Or you want me to add a clause for grandkids as well?
No, Mom, please don't.
These things are private.
[chuckles]
[Sabiha] No problem.
Think about it.
Unmissable offers
tend to expire.
You have two days to come back with an answer
because I'll capitalize on the announcement for the IPO.
If you miss your chance,
your value declines a lot.
[suspenseful music playing]
[tense music playing]
Before the end of the day,
I'll let the top brass know the price we'll list
for the Alpha stock tomorrow.
I must know whether the markets are eager for trading or not.
Well, thankfully, we made it through the conference.
And now, we have a major investor.
Plus, Failaka is attracting people now.
And Alpha's released an ad campaign on buses, on the radio,
even the newspapers.
The economy page has two articles on it.
We're doing well.
What's wrong? You keep twisting your face.
What is it? Go ahead. Tell us.
I don't think that the IPO
will go as well as expected.
Why is that?
It's… it's not guaranteed.
That's why I want you to stay all day on the trading floor.
I won't be pricing the stock on a whim. No.
I want you to feel the traders,
to know what they're all saying.
Don't skip anyone. Talk to them all, even the staff members.
I want to know the vibe in the market.
After lunch,
we'll meet and set the final stock price.
All right.
I didn't want the whole team to get nervous.
But now tell me what you know and what you're hiding from me.
It's likely there'll be some articles on Failaka.
-They're not good. -You heard this from your father?
Ethically and morally,
that's all that he could say.
Excuse me.
[tense music intensifies]
[bell rings]
Here's Appetite For Destruction.
And next month, I'll get you Straight Outta Compton.
-[girl] I have a class. -Wow, Jude. You have everything.
And this is… Dalida.
And… this is George Wassouf.
That is a double dose of heartache.
Hey, you.
The cassette tape you sold me last week got stuck in my Walkman.
If you keep replaying the same song a million times,
of course it will get stuck.
If you love Ihab Tawfik, you should let the man rest.
I want my money, you idiot.
Mays, no need to tell the whole world.
[woman] Jude!
[tense music playing]
-Mom's not there. Can I call my stepmom? -Yes.
[Munira clears throat]
I'm sorry for interrupting.
I thought, uh…
Sorry, I saw the door closed.
Maybe we shut it so that you wouldn't hear us.
We're busted.
[men chuckle]
Anyway, we're done here. You can have Nabil all to yourself.
Excuse me.
[Nabil] Thanks a lot.
[Laith] This is for you, Abu Khaled.
-You deserve more. -Thank you.
-No, thank you.
-God bless you. God bless you. -[Khaled] Goodbye.
Well…
-Hello there and goodbye. -Hello. Hello and welcome to you.
First,
Laith Nasir.
And now you.
It looks like my stock today has gone up.
Indeed.
This is the bank's opinion and Alpha's.
I was just discussing with him, uh, that IPO of yours.
And I… I saw that Laith is nice.
A good man.
Sharp and smart.
And wealthy.
And he knows how to hunt for promising projects.
You mean, uh…
So can we say you're sold on Alpha?
Munira, you see, I'm just a broker.
The best broker in the exchange. The big boss.
Your client's opinions are important.
[chuckles]
Amir… sets the final price.
You'll just test the waters on the floor, right?
The whole country's buzzing about Failaka.
If my uncle calls it a national triumph…
Ah.
Now you know it all.
And go tell Amir, "Don't inflate the price."
Tell him to be confident.
-[Munira] So… -[Farida] How was it with you?
My expectations for Alpha are very high.
What did you hear from Khalifa?
Nothing.
He's not in his office or on the floor.
[Munira] Hmm.
What about your old spot?
I heard good things about you, so…
It's a good opportunity now that we've met.
We can connect properly.
[Khalifa] I have some stocks.
I'll give them to you for a generous price.
Ha. Farida Ma'mun.
Trader clerk. Bank of Tomorrow.
She's a floor warrior.
Laith Nasir.
He is the general.
I know. We met before.
Pleased to see you, Mr. General.
The pleasure is mine, ma'am.
[Khalifa] Same as before?
A spoon of tea, a sugar, three spoons of Carnation milk?
Oof.
Three spoons of milk?
[chuckles]
Slim but a big eater.
She's… [slurps] …downing biscuits by the box.
[Laith] Mmm.
So… I'll be leaving. Okay?
Well, Abu Nasir, don't be a stranger. Pass by.
No, no. I'll be here. I'll see you daily.
And you,
I'll see you… on the battlefield.
Hmm.
You look relaxed.
Happy.
[Khalifa sighs]
I'll be a dad soon.
Well, it looks like I've been upstairs for too long.
Longer than I thought.
[clears throat]
I have been engaged for a long time.
Congrats.
Congrats on the IPO.
Thanks.
Well, any thoughts?
What do you think? You have any concerns about it in Virtue?
Not at all.
We wish we'd won the bid for it.
But you guys at the Bank of Tomorrow are lucky.
Thanks for the tea, Khalifa.
It's perfect.
[dramatic music playing]
Khalifa has nothing but good things to say about Failaka, like Nabil.
We'll succeed?
[sighs]
All's well, but I don't know.
I have a bad feeling about it.
[Munira] Jude?
[gasps softly]
Jude?
Jude why are you here, not at school?
We need to talk.
Come here.
Rose, please.
Come here. Let go.
-Tell me. What brings you here? -Jude got into trouble at school.
-And they called you? -It's no big deal.
But I think we should handle it together.
Of course. But this isn't the time or the place to do it.
Well, well, if it isn't the best salesgirl in the Gulf, huh?
To what do we owe the pleasure?
[Hasan] You'll steal my job, right?
Your friend?
And since you graced us with your presence today, miss,
we're happy to offer you financial advice.
Hasan, Walid, this is Rose,
Farida's ex-husband's fiancée.
Welcome. Weddings are my groove. [vocalizes]
-Uh, we… we have a great band. -This way.
-We have a band, of course. -[Rose] Tell me.
They do weddings, birthday parties, anything you need. Have a seat.
What's this? Scatter, you flies.
What happened at school? Tell me.
[phone rings]
Hello?
We're coming.
Stay here. I have a meeting. We'll talk when I'm done
Amir wants us all upstairs.
Now!
My God, so you actually know the meaning
of all these sparkly lights on the big screens?
Uh, guys, uh, okay.
If you'll excuse our guest here, she needs to leave.
-She's running late. -[Hasan] What about the…
[Farida] You're too kind.
Okay, good, good, good. Come on.
-Bye. -[Rose] Bye.
Forgive me, sweetie.
I'm really sorry, but we have a meeting with the board of directors.
[Rose] With the sparkly lights.
Uh, great, but we didn't talk about Jude.
Jude will stay with me. I'll deal with the school issue later.
-Don't worry. -So you don't wanna discuss this together?
-No, no, no. Yes, I'm absolutely sure. -Because I'm like her mom too.
[Farida] Her mom? Yeah. It's okay. Don't worry about it.
You just go ahead and take care. Drive carefully, huh?
Go ahead. Thanks.
Bye.
[Hasan] Look behind you.
Huh? What's going on?
I'm glad she's gone, to be honest.
-All of us. -All of us?
-Stay here. -Let's go. Come on.
We spent the whole day today with the traders.
[Walid] And we spoke to every single one of them.
[Hasan] And most people are warming to Failaka.
So now I think… we need to discuss the stock pricing.
Not quite.
I've just got a phone call saying
that a group of local islanders oppose the project.
[Rakan sighs]
Oppose it?
So what will they do?
They talked to a journalist at Al-Haq News.
And all the papers will publish it on their front page tomorrow.
They don't want to sell their houses just so your project fails.
So Kuwait will, tomorrow morning, read the news before the opening bell.
Isn't Al-Haq your dad's newspaper?
But my father didn't write it.
-You gave him the intel? -I'm sorry?
Of course not. I have nothing to do with it.
You said every house owner on Failaka was onboard with the project.
Yes, I did say that.
But it seems some people changed their minds.
There's a certain spokeswoman for the locals called Um Badr.
I want you two to go visit and negotiate with her.
What could we offer her?
[tense music playing]
[Hasan] This should help.
This is your biggest mission at the bank so far.
I want you to go make her an offer.
Tell this Um Badr
to withdraw the statement at once.
Do whatever is necessary
till we're sure that it's over with.
Sabiha,
the yacht's ready?
[curious music playing]
[moans]
-[Farida] It's okay. You're fine. -[Munira coughing]
[gasps]
[Farida] Well, it's my fault for carrying the bag for you.
Hey, Farida, this is your role in life.
What did you think it was? You carry bags.
-I swear, it's my fault. -All you have is baggage.
I swear, it's my fault.
[mocking] "I swear, it's my fault."
[Farida] Okay, fine.
[scoffs]
There are people.
Hurry. Excuse me.
Come on. Come on.
Please. You're a godsend.
Um Badr's house, do you know where it is?
Yeah.
Go straight, first house to the right.
Fine. Thanks a lot.
Come on. Come on.
[groans] It's so heavy.
See that stand-alone house over there?
-[Munira] Where? -[Farida] In the middle, alone.
-[Munira] That one? -Yes.
That's for sure Um Badr's. It's the only one.
-Hmm. -Go on.
Let's see how good you are.
I will.
[clears throat]
Now I am ready.
Follow me.
You're with the newspaper or the government?
No, ma'am, we're with the bank.
[Um Badr] The bank?
We heard that a journalist came and saw you.
He talked to you as the official spokesperson of the locals.
Use my name, Um Badr.
Well, Um Badr, you are quite something.
The perfect timing.
You were able to force their hand.
Does this mean that the company has agreed to cancel the project?
No, no, no, no, no.
They just sent us to negotiate terms that are better for you, inshallah.
Who said that I'd negotiate?
I really don't know what to say, Um Badr.
But the government's given consent for Alpha to develop Failaka.
So you may be able to delay the project, huh?
But you'll never be able to stop it.
Well, it's okay.
We will see. We'll see later.
Auntie,
what you're doing now is not in your best interest.
They'll go through with that project either way.
So I hope you accept it.
My dear madam,
why did you think we were with the government?
Because you know, after all, you have no other option.
Ultimately, Failaka's a done deal, bound to happen.
Plus, madam, times have changed, circumstances too.
And we must change with them.
But the bank is keen on having you relocated comfortably
and smoothly and feeling very good about it.
[unzipping]
Your grandkids
won't have to live the tough life you lived.
You'll be able to realize all the dreams that you wished for.
This life of ours doesn't need to change.
We chose it, and we want it.
And money cannot buy it. You hear me or not?
Well, uh… [sighs]
…I'm afraid, ma'am, that you'll end up having nothing.
I suggest…
that you take advantage of the situation and listen to me
while we're still right here.
Our traditions have no price tag.
Heritage isn't for sale.
Don't you have something that is priceless?
I'll stick to my roots.
I'll stay here on this very land.
Don't you get it, you modern-day girls?
I don't know why Sabiha's doing this to me.
After all I did with the IPO and for her personally,
I deserve much more from her anyway.
Me?
I'm an errand girl?
She charmed you, Mannour.
Money, power…
You don't know anything.
She wants me to be theirs.
To belong to them. I mean, to be one of them.
Yeah, that's the offer you haven't heard about.
Rakan.
Rakan, Sabiha's son, proposed.
Fantastic.
Three men proposed to you in five months?
Sweetie, I am Munira Hijazi.
I'm 33,
unmarried, from a good family.
It's fate.
But you know the problem is…
I backed myself into a corner.
And now, I am forced…
Ugh.
…to take the offer of Sabiha.
What?
-You definitely shouldn't. -I have to.
You don't have to. This is nonsense, Munira, and you know it.
Remember our words to Um Badr?
When an opportunity presents itself, grab it,
because if you miss it, you're ruined.
-[scoffs] No, no, no, no. Not about this. -Why not?
Because it's Rakan.
Because you told me back in Cairo
that you wouldn't settle for just good enough.
Um Badr is right, huh?
Some things are priceless.
Above all, your own self-worth.
Myself?
Myself? [chuckles]
Where's myself in this situation we're in?
I lost everything.
Everything I ever loved.
Saud's gone.
Gone.
You mean gone gone?
Yeah, gone.
And the thing that I see clearly now
is my choices.
Only one thing is clear about them.
This is my only choice.
It hit me hard when I saw Rose walking in with Jude.
I realized I'll have to share Jude with her forever.
No other choice.
[emotional music playing]
[weeping] Oh God.
I'm such a bad mother.
Stop. Stop.
I left her alone all day at the exchange.
What's wrong with me?
You didn't know that all this would happen to us.
So what?
So what? I should've left it all and been there for her.
-You couldn't have. -Yeah.
But Rose could.
That's why Jude called her.
I can understand why you're feeling guilty.
But, uh, Jude loves you.
I mean, Jude only went to Rose
because, with Rose, there is no guilt trip.
She doesn't want to be with her.
She loves you. And you're the best mom.
Farida,
set some boundaries for Rose right away.
No, no, no, no, I won't speak to her.
How come? She's just a kid. You can handle her.
And one more thing.
-You should warn her about Omar. -[Farida gasps]
No way.
Cousin,
don't you wish that someone had warned you about him before?
[suspenseful music playing]
[sighs]
[Farida sighs]
[line ringing]
-[Adeeb] Hello? -Dad.
Farida?
You okay?
[Farida] Jude's with me at the exchange.
Can you pick her up?
Inshallah.
I'll come pick her up, inshallah.
[Farida] Thanks, Dad.
I'm sorry I wasn't there for you.
I'm sorry for coming here.
[emotional music playing]
I have to go.
[Sabiha] The question that's on my mind is
how come your dad's the one behind that scandal, and you had no idea?
And you…
I can't even begin to understand how an old, uneducated woman
could beat you in argument.
You should entertain me with the story one day
when I'm in the mood to hear about your failure.
[Munira sighs]
[solemn music playing]
From what I see, you didn't go by yacht.
And I think you deserve better than that.
Bye.
[Rose] So finally, you'll talk about what happened at Jude's school today?
Uh, no.
I just want to get to know you better since you'll be, uh,
a part of Jude's life.
Of course, I have no doubt that you'll make a… a great mom.
But don't you think it's hard for a 21-year-old to become,
all of a sudden, a mom to a 13-year-old girl?
Look.
Jude and I have grown much closer lately.
I mean, we became friends.
That's why today she called me. She trusts me.
[chuckles]
And I really appreciate your concern.
-Thanks for making her a priority. -Yeah.
I'll be her role model. She needs one these days.
Ah.
Sorry, it's been a long day. My feet hurt.
It's okay.
The thing at the atelier then, for instance,
is an example of what we must work on together as shareholders.
Sorry, but I mean, you work at a place full of money
just all day long,
and you can't afford to buy Jude one pair of designer shoes?
It's not that I can't. It's not about shoes or prices.
[exhales]
Rose, some things in life are priceless,
like the values and the principles that I'm teaching Jude.
The values and principles that made Jude sell cassette tapes at school today?
The girl is obsessed with money.
That's what I wanted to discuss with you at your office today.
Hang on. You mean,
Jude was at school selling tapes?
Mm-hmm.
Okay, let's say there's a truth in every perspective.
-[Rose] Okay? Mmm. -Your perspective, Jude's wrong.
But in my perspective,
well, I think that Jude found an untapped market.
She utilized her resources and knew how to meet demand.
She grew a client base at the age of 13.
Wow.
Anyone hurt?
Anyone cheated?
Leave her be.
She found something she's good at.
And I encourage her.
One must discover oneself to build a future.
There's something else we must discuss.
Omar.
No, no, no, no, no.
Don't start all this with me.
You and Omar were…
Him and I will be totally different.
[laughs]
Well, I wish. I really do.
-But you know nothing. -I do.
'Cause I'm not you.
I'll be a gift to him.
So our life will be perfect
because I obey him,
and I follow his rules.
So when it comes to me and Omar, there will be no problems.
See, it's never that simple.
You may see it that way, but… mm-mm.
-Okay, let's just drop it. -Let's drop it.
Jude's ours,
but Omar's all mine.
[Farida scoffs]
[laughs]
[door opens]
[Saud grunts]
[emotional music playing]
What's the urgent thing that made you bring me here
to this place to talk to me about?
I'm in trouble.
[sighs]
Well, if you don't get yourself in trouble, you get upset.
You get bored.
You're right, but this time is different.
[chuckles]
So? I should get myself in trouble so that you don't feel bored, right?
Tell me. Why do you need me?
I don't need you.
I want you.
You were absolutely right.
About what?
Rakan, Cairo… everything.
I'm engaged, Saud.
[Saud sighs]
Congrats.
But we haven't yet ended what's between us.
Truth be told, we ended everything.
So why are you here?
What do you want now?
Tell me if you have a better offer.
You said it yourself. I deserve better than that.
He's over there now?
Rakan, is he up there in the towers?
No.
Not Rakan. Sabiha.
Great deal.
[tuts]
I don't have a better offer.
You must hold onto him.
And I wish you both the best.
[elevator dings]
So?
You thought about it?
Have you decided?
Yes.
[suspenseful music playing]
[theme music playing]