Original subtitles

[mysterious music playing]

[woman] This is the story of the last princess of a dying empire

with nothing left… but the glory and splendor of her past.

A dying empire that all her enemies seek to claim.

[mysterious music continues]

And a new prince from a new world

with an insatiable hunger to lay siege and destroy that great empire,

burning with the desire for victory.

A battle between the two representatives of these worlds,

the old money versus the new.

It's a story of love and war

between those who play the game of etiquette, intelligence, and diplomacy

which is ingrained in their genes,

and those who seek to change the game itself.

OLD MONEY

ONE MONTH EARLIER

[buoyant music playing]

[indistinct announcement echoing]

[driver] Where are you flying in from, ma'am?

France.

[driver] Wow, France.

You know, I actually have a cousin out there, Sevil.

She moved to Lyon and got a job at a nail salon.

Now she's opening her own shop.

Would you believe she didn't speak French?

It's a good way to learn, I guess.

[music fades]

[gentle piano music playing]

[music fades]

[upbeat folk-rock music playing]

[medals jangling]

[music intensifies]

[music fades]

[man] Welcome, Mr. Engin.

[chamber ensemble playing "La donna è mobile"]

The blond witch is back.

[music fades]

[chuckles]

Oh, hey!

You haven't aged a day!

What?

[woman] You haven't aged a day!

[woman chuckles]

Come on!

-[Engin] Here. -Toss it.

[Engin] Nice catch!

-[ship horn blares in distance] -[woman grunts]

[grunts]

-[Engin] You're a little rusty. -I got you in safely, didn't I?

-[Engin kisses] Mm. -[woman] Aw.

[chuckles]

I really missed you.

[woman] Of course you did. I got you.

[chuckles]

I missed you too. [laughs]

[laughing]

[sultry jazz playing]

-I'll throw you in the water. -I'll get it.

-No, get off me! -[laughs]

You blond witch, you! You really haven't changed, have you?

[music ends]

[ship horn blares]

So who are these people?

-The Bulut family. -Hmm.

Until ten years ago, we didn't know their names.

Now they're the talk of the town. I mean, no one can shut up about them.

[scoffs]

A growth rate unlike anything I've seen. They're bold. They take risks.

And they settled on the hills, on a massive property.

And now,

they wanna take the seaside.

Our properties.

[upbeat rhythmic music playing]

[Engin] Songül Bulut.

You could say she's kinda the surrogate mother of the three boys.

She founded the family,

and now she's enjoying the fruits of all her labor.

[music stops]

And the older brother, Mahir.

[engine grinding]

[Engin] Guy's a real adrenaline junkie.

[upbeat folk-rock music playing]

[Engin] He's a bit of a tough guy, a little out of control.

-[music stops] -Hmm. Really?

He's nuts. I'm telling you.

The Little brother, Arda, he's the friendly face.

Family spokesman. He's very good. Likable.

Wait a second! Hey, everyone! I, uh… I wanna say something!

[guests murmur]

My friends, first of all, I just want to welcome you all here.

Secondly, do you really think I'm gonna make a speech?

-Let's get this damn boat to the club! -[guests cheering, whooping]

[rock music plays, subsides]

Wait, hang on.

How the hell were these guys able to grow their business so fast?

Well, that's the whole thing.

It all comes down to the middle brother.

-Osman. -[rock music playing]

Yeah, he's the brains of the whole family. A real shark.

He's basically a supervillain.

He moves fast. By the time you think you've got him pegged,

he's already made his move

and reached a decision.

[music ends]

He's very smart.

-Oh. -Yeah, he's a real piece of work.

They advanced incredibly fast in the international maritime trade market.

First, it was ships. Then they bought the ports.

They keep expanding, bigger and bigger.

And now, they've got their sights…

on your family's mansion.

They wanna live here. [chuckles]

You're not gonna sell, right?

I came here to sign off, Engin.

My dad screwed everything up.

-We have no choice but to sell. -You can't.

Have you listened to a word I said to you?

They're trying to destroy us, Nihal.

What "us," huh?

-This is about old money versus new money. -[sighs]

[Engin] Listen, you need to get your head in the game.

This mansion's been in your family for generations.

My mom died here.

-[Engin] No, your mom lived here, Nihal. -[tender music playing]

This is Aunt Nermin's mansion. This is where you were born,

and now, you're just gonna hand it off to them? Huh?

Your roots.

What the hell are you talking about? Are you a fascist?

-Excuse me while I go throw up. [scoffs] -What are you even saying?

-You're impossible. -This fool's talking about roots.

[phone buzzing]

Go on, answer.

[tender music continues]

[Nihal] Hello?

-Yeah! -[group laughs]

You chilled Ms. Nihal's bottle, didn't you?

-[server] Yes ma'am, shall I serve it? -[Berna] Please.

You know she's a traitor, right?

What's that?

[Engin] This one, she's a traitor.

You're looking at the CFO of the Bulut Family.

-They're taking care of me. -Ah.

Come on, that's enough. Kiko, welcome back.

And you two, behave. I have big news.

I fell in love.

That's just how amazing he is, and I'll tell you this.

I see a pretty exciting future for us.

One involving a ring, perhaps.

[Nihal] How's the other stuff, Pınar?

Other stuff?

She means the sex.

[Pınar] Oh, we haven't slept together yet. We wanna take it slow.

I'm sorry, what?

Girl, you wouldn't buy a bottle of wine without tasting it first, right?

What's wrong with you?

Babe, we don't care about physical stuff because our souls are bonded forever.

-Your souls? -[Pınar] Uh-huh.

[Engin] She's obviously never fallen in love.

Love isn't just a physical thing.

It truly is a meeting of the souls.

You're in constant awe and wonder of the person.

You dream of them in the moments you can't be together.

[tender music playing]

You wonder how they are when they're alone.

When no one's watching them.

When they wake up in the morning.

When they're bored, sad,

or I don't know… when they're embarrassed.

[tender music continues]

[sighs] Listen closely. Sex is love.

I mean, come on, you sleep together, you hang out to pass the time.

I don't know. Whatever.

It's not that a big deal. See if he can give you an orgasm.

Pass the calamari.

Mm.

Mm. There's my girl.

-[Nihal] Dad. -Come.

Take a look.

They commissioned a 160-foot yacht from us 15 months ago

and paid 70 percent up front.

But I used that money to pay off my debts.

So, obviously, I couldn't honor the contract,

and time just got away from me.

-You didn't even start, Dad. -I have a primary design.

Why would these guys commission us of all people?

We haven't built a yacht this big in over eight years.

I guess they know we're the best in the business.

Well, none of that even matters now anyway,

and as for the debt, we'll have to give them this place.

We could try and find another buyer and pay it off that way,

but it'll take too long.

[gentle music playing]

This is a Trojan horse.

What's that, sweetie?

They knew this would happen, Dad. They must've known about your debt

and commissioned the yacht so we'd be in their debt.

Don't tell me you didn't see this coming.

I mean, come on! Are you this naive?

They played you like a damn fool, Dad.

Oh, really?

-I'm the fool at this table? -Let's not get sidetracked.

You took the job, and now we're screwed.

Honey, I told you I was in debt. What was I supposed to do?

Okay, think.

-Let's think. -[pensive music playing]

Sweetie, I've already signed. If you sign too, we can get it over with.

No, we're not giving up our home. Call them. I'll talk to them.

Come on, now. Let's just do it.

Being able to accept defeat is a victory in itself, right?

I mean, look.

I know you're used to winning and always getting trophies and medals,

and the lead designer gig and all that other stuff.

But you need to learn life's more complicated than that.

Sometimes in business, you just need to cut your losses.

I know how to lose, Dad.

But until the fat lady sings, I'm not giving up on the house.

[pensive music continues]

Okay.

We call them.

We call and tell them we wanna meet.

I wanna meet them in person, see what they're about.

Maybe we can still get out of this thing.

[music fades]

[rock music playing]

[Songül] We have Kerem, you know?

Yeah, in finance.

Of course. You consult him on everything. I'll send you his number.

What happened to your tie?

-What? -[Songül] Bye.

This is the trend, bro. Get with the times.

Yeah, you're a real fashionista. You're so posh.

That coffee's hitting you too hard this morning.

-Hey, leave him alone. You look cute. -[Mahir] Mm-hmm.

[pensive music playing]

-[Nihal] Thank you. -[woman] You're welcome.

-[Mahir] Ms. Nihal, right? -Yes.

-Mahir. -[Nihal] Hi there.

-I'm Arda. -[Nihal] Hi.

Songül, but I'm sure you're already aware of that.

[chuckles]

Ms. Nihal, please have a seat.

Would it be all right if I called you Nihal?

We're almost the same age.

[laughs] That's kind of you. Of course.

Mm.

Now, to the matter at hand.

Obviously, this is about the yacht you commissioned.

We're well past the contract's deadline.

So if you'll forgive the bad pun, it's beginning to feel like

our cash advance turned out to be a bit of a "sunk cost," right?

Mm. You could say that.

But I've actually come here to ask for an extension.

The Baydemir family always keeps their promises.

We've had some issues, but we're asking for your patience.

In return, you'll have your Baydemirs-built yacht.

Nihal, you do this professionally over in Europe, right?

Yeah, We've heard you're a very well-respected lead designer in France.

So, you're clearly on the artistic side of this business.

That's right. This is what I do, and I can tell you, I'm very good.

You can trust me.

And are you at all concerned about how you're going to finance this?

Because, well, we've heard that your father has had some…

Yes. My dad's had some issues, but that's over. I'm here now.

All right.

[mysterious music playing]

Sorry, what?

Come up with a schedule,

and maybe we'll work something out.

[music fades]

One other thing.

We like to personalize our designs, so I'll need to stay in touch.

We usually like to meet with the customer up front

to ensure we're maximizing their comfort.

We ask questions about their lifestyle and priorities.

Well, at the end of the day, it's Osman's yacht,

so you'd have to speak to him about all that stuff.

We'll make sure to contact you and get something on the books.

[mysterious music playing]

-[Nihal] Nice meeting you all. -I'll walk you out.

Thank you.

[Arda] You can't beat being this close to the sea.

-The air's so fresh. -[Nihal chuckles]

You can take a deep breath and center yourself.

-Things are changing so fast in the city. -Yeah.

You must notice it whenever you come back to town.

Yeah, it feels like every time I come for a visit, something else is gone.

The bakery I used to go to in high school just closed its doors permanently,

which is just so--

Hold on. Wait.

You have to try our chef's…

-[no audible dialogue] -[music builds]

[music subsides]

You're gonna lose your mind.

We have a car waiting at the gate to drive you home if you'd like. Hmm?

Osman's particular about that.

About what?

Well, uh, we're in an isolated spot.

It's a little tricky to get here.

We even send cars for people interviewing to be our assistants.

-How nice. -It's a rule we have.

During our college years,

we calculated the cost of commuting to school.

Not everyone understands what it's like to be so broke

you can't afford bus fare.

I mean, you might not.

I know. I don't get it, right?

[chuckles]

No, sorry, I didn't mean it like that.

[laughs] Relax. Don't worry. I'm not offended.

[dramatic music playing]

[Engin] He's the brains of the family. He's basically a supervillain.

He moves fast.

By the time you think you've got him pegged,

he's already made his move

and reached a decision.

He's very smart.

A real shark.

[whirring]

We set the meeting. I'm talking to him privately tomorrow.

So, tell me. You know the guy.

-Come on, give me something. -Yeah, like what?

-Dress warm. -What the hell does that mean?

It means he can be cold.

I'm telling you, the man has ice in his veins.

-Engin hates him and he scared me too. -[Berna sighs]

I wish I could tell you, "Don't worry, there's nothing to be afraid of."

But he's a sharp guy.

First, you think he hasn't even looked at the materials you gave him.

Then suddenly he says something,

and you realize he's memorized every detail.

So keep your guard up. He could be trying to trap you.

He's a man of few words. Impossible to read.

But he's not the monster that Engin thinks he is.

He always tries to be fair.

And he's ruled by his inner sense of justice.

I find that quite an admirable quality.

Well, isn't that noble?

I know what you're doing. You're looking for his weakness.

[chuckles]

Because that's how you think you'll beat him?

-No, stop. It has nothing to do with that. -Hmm.

You know, weaknesses can reveal a lot.

-Tell me this. -Mm-hmm?

Is there any dirt on him?

Nope. Engin's convinced there's something, but no.

He's a self-made man, pure and simple.

You'll see what I mean when you get to know him.

There's no cabs at the stand?

Okay, fine. It's just that there's a ton of traffic.

Do you think you can maybe hail me one by the gate?

Huh? Yeah, I'm running late.

[chauffeur] Ms. Nihal? Please.

[distant siren wailing]

Um, hello? I'm actually all set, thank you.

[softly] Thank you.

-Hi. -[receptionist] Hello.

-Mr. Osman? -[receptionist] Yes, he's expecting you.

[suspenseful music playing]

Come in.

It's pretty tight.

Sorry, what?

It's a tight schedule. You think you can pull it off?

I think so.

And the funding? You're not asking us for anything at all?

Didn't feel appropriate. You've already made a sizable down payment.

I think I can find temporary financing within my contacts.

Your contacts?

Of course.

[pensive music playing]

-I'm sorry, what? -[machine beeps, grinds]

As I mentioned before, I have a few personal questions for you,

to make sure the design suits you perfectly.

Sure, go for it.

Well, first, have you decided on a name?

The name of the boat is a great starting point.

[pensive music continues]

Okay, well I can see that's still in the works.

[sighs]

Tell me how you see the yacht. Is it a leisure pastime or workspace?

We need to make sure it accommodates all your needs.

Tell me about your daily routine.

-My daily routine? How so? -Uh-huh.

Like the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning.

Your espresso machine is obviously something you care about.

How far should it be from the bed? The bed itself is a whole other question.

Anything specific about your sleep routine that you wanna tell me?

[music fades]

I have brand preferences.

My people will contact you about the bed and airflow in the room.

Okay. Any hobbies?

Something like ping-pong or maybe a pool table?

I'm a big ping-pong girl myself. I love competing and betting on it.

Whenever my friends and I get together, we do a little tournament

and all throw in some money.

I never really got into video games though.

How about you? You're a bit of a gamer, huh?

We could make you a gamer man cave.

No, thank you.

What about solitude? That seems like something you enjoy.

Office at the end of the hall.

It gives the sense that you don't wanna be disturbed.

Maybe we can create a quaint little spot

where you can go be alone when there are too many guests.

You can email the rest of your questions to my assistant, and they'll get back you.

-Thank you, Ms. Nihal. -My pleasure.

-Have a nice day. -We should exchange numbers.

There's no need. As I said, my assistant will be in touch with you.

I see. So you don't wanna give me your phone number.

Like I said… no need.

-[suspenseful music playing] -[chuckles]

Well, then… thanks. I'll just leave mine right here.

Just in case.

Have a good day.

[ship horn blaring]

[ship horn blaring]

[inhales]

[exhales]

[inhales]

[tender music playing]

AMUSEMENT PARK

[woman] Osman, don't stay up too late, okay?

We have to be up early tomorrow.

I won't! Don't worry!

BLACK BEAUTY

[tender music continues]

[man] Mahir!

You forgot the garbage for number four, Son.

[sighs]

Well, they didn't leave it out for me, Dad.

[dad] Put this in there too.

[Mahir sighs]

BULUT APARTMENT BLOCK NO. 14

[rumbling]

[glass cracking]

[car alarm blaring]

[silence]

-[sirens wailing] -[child crying]

[man 1] This is search and rescue!

Can anyone hear me?

[sirens grow louder]

[boy] Mom! Dad! Where are you?

-Can you hear me? -[man 2] Easy. Easy.

[man 3] I can hear them!

-Can anyone hear me? -[man 4] Here we go.

17 AUGUST 1999

[boy] Dad!

[man 3] It's okay. I'm here!

[man 4] Guys! I can hear voices down here! Give me a hand!

-[man 3] Get them to the hospital. -[man 5] Hold him. Come on. Sh.

[man 4] Be quiet!

[tools tapping]

[tools grinding]

[dramatic music playing]

[man 1] Careful. Careful with him.

-[man 6] Should be another person. -Arda! Arda!

[newscaster] Of the 42 residents living in Bulut building,

only four seem to have survived.

Math teacher Songül Işıkçı,

six-year-old Arda,

nine-year-old Osman,

and the superintendent's son,

twelve-year-old Mahir İlmek.

-[tender music playing] -Come on, Osman.

Their mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters

perished in the disaster.

This tragic story is only one of the many created during this earthquake.

[jackhammering]

Miss Işıkçı… my parents were inside. [crying]

It's okay, Mahir. Come with me.

[tender music continues]

[keys jangle]

This'll be a new home for all of us.

It's a chance for us to all to start over together.

You guys are brothers now, and we're a family, okay?

[man] It is clear that the aftermath of this horrific earthquake has created

a truly tragic situation for these three young boys.

The court rules that, having obtained their individual consent,

custody of the children shall be granted to Songül Işıkçı effective immediately.

The court also recognizes and approves the change of the boys' surname to Bulut

as per their request.

[Songül] If the degree of the polynomial is five and M is the sum of its roots,

what possible values can M take?

Mahir, are you listening?

Come on! You're still having trouble with polynomials. When's your exam?

I don't wanna study finance. I don't even wanna go to college anymore.

Well, then, how are you gonna study?

Be quiet, Arda.

Do your homework.

You're going to college. You're gonna work your butt off and study finance.

If you're gonna understand this world, you need to know about money.

Why don't you make yourself some tea, Songül? I can help him.

[Osman] Okay, I'll explain it.

P(x)…

[tender music continues]

[car door shuts]

[music fades]

Tell me what's going on.

The goal was always the mansion.

The yacht was the bait.

That was the plan.

Why are you suddenly giving that princess wiggle room?

-[Osman] I'll handle it. -We already handled it.

[Songül scoffs] Our whole lives are in your hands.

Songül, what's on your mind? Just say it.

It's just… I… I only wanted you to study, so you could help yourselves and make…

Songül.

I'll ask again. What's on your mind?

Nothing, Osman. Everything's good.

How can it not be?

Things turned out better than I could've imagined.

-But-- -Yeah, I know.

Why do we want that mansion?

I never asked you before, but I'm going to ask you now.

Why that mansion?

[somber music playing]

[birds calling]

[man 1] Simit!

I've got fresh simit! Right out of the oven!

[man 2] Brushes! I've got brushes to comb that beautiful hair, ladies!

-Brushes! Sir, perhaps a brush? -[indistinct chatter]

[man 3] Can I get two simits please?

[indistinct chatter]

[tender piano music playing]

[woman] Oh, Osman! Look over there!

Look how happy they are!

[Osman] I don't remember.

[Songül] What don't you remember? Why you want that mansion?

No.

Look, I'm sorry.

I'm just out of it today. I need some time to think.

Okay. I'll give you some space, then.

But I know something's bothering you. I know it.

[rock music playing]

♪ I'm on my way Speeding through the light ♪

♪ And I feel it inside Watch the world sit by ♪

♪ You're holding me close Holding me tight ♪

♪ And I'm tripping in a daze 'Cause you're bowling me over ♪

♪ When you′re singing my name ♪

♪ Sing it again ♪

♪ And I love the way you call I love the way you are ♪

♪ Let's take them one by one See the city under stars ♪

♪ Feel our wings stretch across our back ♪

♪ Hey now, watch me, I'm in slow motion ♪

♪ Lighting up all the sky You know it feels so alive ♪

♪ Illuminate my name I made it through the cracks ♪

♪ You know I'm learning to fly, yeah You know, you know ♪

♪ Through it all ♪

♪ Through it all ♪

♪ Through it all We're lighting up the sky ♪

♪ Lighting up the sky ♪

♪ We're lighting up the sky ♪

♪ Been hiding these wings Wider than the skies ♪

♪ But I'm learning to fly In the morning light ♪

♪ When you're singing my name Sing it again ♪

♪ And I love the way you call I love the way you are ♪

♪ Let's take them one by one See the city under stars ♪

♪ Feel our wings stretch across our back ♪

[music fades]

This way. She'll be with you in a moment.

[Osman] Thank you.

[suspenseful music playing]

Hey there.

Well, I guess we can share, right?

[music fades]

[Nihal] I can ask for another cup.

No need, I'm fine.

The machine's broken, so I have to go out to get coffee now.

-I sent you an email. -I saw it.

Since we didn't exchange numbers, I had no choice but to--

Don't worry.

I read it, and I'm getting back to you right now.

[chuckles softly] So you read it.

And… any thoughts?

Go on.

[intriguing music playing]

I found it unremarkable.

Too ordinary.

You bragged about a high level of personalization,

but to be honest, it just felt like another boring revision

of, um, an existing template.

Well, I have two things there. First of all, there is no template.

Out of respect for my clients, I design the whole thing,

top to bottom, from scratch.

Secondly, I know from many years of experience

that the people who order yachts of this size

are not as different from each other as they think they are.

They're more alike than they admit.

So, if you think you saw any similarities, then perhaps it's time you looked inward.

Who are they?

Who are these people who… who are all the same

and order mega-yachts with man caves?

Enlighten me because I'd really like to know.

Certainly. Mostly they're people who started on the bottom.

People who had to work hard for their fortune.

Now that they're wealthy, they like extravagance.

And you consider that unrefined, is that it?

Not at all.

They have a lot more energy and a bigger appetite for life.

-They're better at finding meaning-- -Spare me. Please.

You're never going to understand us, so don't try.

And as for me, I just don't like talking about myself that much.

That's perfectly clear.

And I'm also not trying to understand anything, so go ahead.

[intriguing music continues]

I'm not a player on any team. Not yours, not theirs, or anyone else's.

So you can stop trying to pigeonhole me.

Because this whole "I have you figured out" thing

is frankly just insulting.

Don't mince words then.

Just say you don't like it.

Don't worry. I can take it.

Because I don't play for any team either. Let's drop the gloves and get down to it.

-All right. -Can I speak plainly?

[Osman] I wish you would.

[music subsides]

[sighs]

[Osman] Well said.

You want out of this contract?

Because you and I both know you can't do it.

So why don't we stop with the pretenses?

You had your little ego trip.

Now let's call it a day. Hmm?

That won't be necessary.

[laughs softly]

[tense music playing]

I get it. I was a little caught off guard, but now I understand you.

You do play for a team, don't you?

Admit it.

"We who come from nothing."

"We the self-made."

"We who had to walk such a hard path and work every muscle in our poor bodies."

"And now that we've grown so strong and come all this way,

now we know it all,

from the very bottom to the top, and we can bend the world to our will."

[Osman] Ah, there it is. [chuckles]

Right there.

This is so typical of your type. Old money.

[Nihal] Mm?

Spoken like a true team player.

“Oh, we know these guys well."

"Generations of them worked under our fathers,

constantly causing problems and headaches our dads had to solve.” Right?

You think you can see the whole picture

because you're looking down from your ivory tower.

No. I'm down here with you.

And you know why?

'Cause I'm my own person.

And you can't deny me my own life experience.

If you think that, I can't stop you, and I'm sure it feels good to say.

-You don't know me. -You don't know me, so stop pretending.

Because continuing to do so would be a mistake.

[tense music continues]

[chuckles softly]

Well, I think…

you actually really loved my design.

And you were shocked at how much it really spoke to you.

Hey, that's what I do.

Like I said, I'm a pretty goddamn good designer.

You seem a little uneasy.

And that is the real reason why we're having this debate,

because I got you.

[music intensifies]

[tense music continues]

[dashboard beeps]

[engine sputtering]

Come on, girl. Don't do this.

[engine sputtering stops]

[groans softly]

Hey, you.

I have a favor to ask you.

-[phone buzzing] -[mysterious music playing]

HI. THIS IS NİHAL.

WE CAN CONTINUE OUR PLEASANT CONVERSATION HERE.

[Osman sighs]

The deal's off.

We're done being tolerant with these people.

No more yacht.

We want the mansion.

Let them know.

[music intensifies]

[mysterious music continues]

[gentle music playing]

[ethereal music playing]

[suspenseful music playing]

[music fades]