Same, same but different!

Part 4

Kıvılcım: Like I said, I first need to talk to my staff.

Ömer: then I'll go for now.

Ömer gets up and Kıvılcım gets up a second later too.

Ömer: See you Kıvılcım... hanım. Kıvılcım hanım.

Kıvılcım: See you Ömer... bey. Ömer bey.

The moment Ömer closed the door behind him, the tension that had filled Kıvılcım’s office seemed to dissipate, leaving a strange, quiet hum in its wake. She sank back into her chair, the pen still clutched in her hand, no longer tapping but held motionless. Her mind replayed the conversation, particularly Ömer’s last offer. It was audacious, unexpected, and… intriguing.

He was giving her a substantial discount, effectively negating his earlier overbid, and yet he wanted a share of the profit from an exhibition. It was a proposition that spoke of business acumen, but also something more personal. He wanted to see his investment, not just monetarily but emotionally, come to fruition. And the idea of him admitting he found her "impossible to ignore" still echoed in her ears, sending a confusing warmth through her.

A few minutes later, Kıvılcım called Fatma, who entered with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Fatma: So, did he survive? And more importantly, did he confess his love?

Kıvılcım shot her a look that was half-annoyance, half-amusement.

Kıvılcım: Fatma, focus. Ömer made an offer. He wants to sell the paintings at the initial price, but he wants to be a part of an exhibition for two months, splitting the profit. After that, they're ours completely. He even suggested going to Alas bey’s ranch to pick them up together.

Fatma’s eyebrows shot up.

Fatma: He wants to partner with you? And go on a trip? Kıvılcım, are you sure he’s not trying to smooth-talk his way into your good graces?

Kıvılcım sighed, running a hand through her hair.

Kıvılcım: That’s what I’m trying to figure out. He says he wants to gain something from his high bid, and he has clients interested in antique art. It could be a genuine business opportunity. And to be fair, getting the paintings at the original price would be a huge win for us.

Esma walked in, holding a steaming cup of coffee for Kıvılcım.

Esma: Looks like you need it Kıvılcım hanım.

Kıvılcım: You're amazing Esma. Esma I'll ask you something.

Kıvılcım laid out Ömer’s proposal in detail. Esma, ever the pragmatist, listened intently, occasionally nodding.

Esma: From a business perspective, Kıvılcım hanım, it’s a good deal. We get the paintings at a much better price, and a joint exhibition could bring in new clients, especially if his contacts are as strong as he claims. The two-month exclusivity period is reasonable for a profit split.

Kıvılcım nodded her head. The telephone at Esma's desk rings. She leaves to pick it up.

Fatma: But what about him? Do you really want to spend two months, potentially more, dealing with Ömer? You two are like fire and ice!

Kıvılcım leaned back, her gaze drifting towards the window.

Kıvılcım: He was… different today. Less combative. Almost… vulnerable. He even apologized for getting involved in our business.

Fatma: Ömer apologized?

Kıvılcım managed a small smile.

Kıvılcım: He also called Metehan a "tail" again, but then I corrected him.