Cam Tavanlar - Glass Ceiling- Episode 9
The opening narration of Cam Tavanlar begins with " This is not a Cinderella Story. Leyla is a completely different girl. She is not a Princess, and not looking for a Prince. She can stand up for herself, always finds a way to solve issues on her own and believes in her own choices. What is most amazing, however, is that this girl makes it all seem completely normal… "
The opening scene has Leyla heading to the corporate headquarters with the anticipation of today being the day that she would be named CEO of Q - Pera company due to her efforts in developing and expanding the Asude restaurant which she meticulous manages every aspect of it.
The Q-Pera board made up of the old boys club mentality that only men can be leaders , is headed by Haldun who resents Leya's success and convinces the rest of the board that Leyla could never be able to handle the rigors and responsibilities of expansion in foreign countries and recommends that Leyla be demoted to project manager and that Cem Kumcu be brought in because of his wealthy families prestige and background.
Before this announcement is made the camera flashes back to Leyla's early childhood. Leyla's father decided to abandon them and then her mother took ill and passed away leaving a little Leyla to herself since she had no other family. Since Leyla was such and excellent student her teacher Muku took her in and raised her to be a strong self sufficient career oriented woman that learned to succeed at everything she put her mind to.
When the O-Pera board announced their decision to Introduce Cem Kumcu as the new head of the Company the scene flashes back to the weekend that Leyla and Cem met and fell in love only to have fate separate them because of Leyla's rigid discipline in that she refused to listen to Cem's reason as to why he had to leave he. They haven't seen each other in the 8 years that Leyla has developed the Asude brand a nationally successful chain of high-quality, environmentally-conscious, and socially responsible restaurants that is slated for overseas only now to have it taken away from her by Cem her first and only love. The official motivation for Leyla's replacement is that Cem is a recognized manager in the hospitality sector with extensive foreign experience. The real reason, however, may have more to do with his gender and his high powered family connections than his professional resume.
With only 8 episodes to develop this story and the interwinding of the love hate relationship of Leyla and Cem we are shown the world of male chauvinistic dominance in Turkish companies that don't value female success but envy it and try to destroy in so as to not let it interfere with there good Old Boys Club mentality.
Leyla being no naive damsel in distress, refuses the boards demotion and quits Asude with the thought that she built the brand once, she could do it again and compete with Asude head to head. Haldun the chief protagonist of Leyla is infuriated that Leyla would even attempt such a daring risky adventure and embarrass him if she were to succeed once again.
Leyla is a strong, resourceful, hard working, competent, disciplined, positive - thinking and independent young woman whose beauty is never used to gain a professional advantage. Leyla's stubbornness in refusing to partner with Tevik Kumcu, Cem 's grandfather, simply because he is related to Cem forces Leyla to go to a loan shark money lender that will sell her out in a blink of an eye.
Cem's characteristic are that he is a privileged young man. Born in an upper - class family of womanizing father and grandfather, he nevertheless worked hard in life to gain his deserved reputation as a successful business leader. He is smart, handsome, dedicated, and kind -hearted. Most importantly, Cem is naturally charismatic, progressive, and socially gifted. People unconsciously gravitate towards him, but he is neither a womanizer nor a chauvinist pig like Haldun.
The almost comical war that Leyla and Cem create is a mixture of attraction and resentment with the underlying undercurrent of their deep love for one another. In each episode the audience is giving snippets of their deep love only to have it taken away by a misunderstanding in failure to communicate.
In Episode 8 we get to see evil in both men and women, Haldun manipulates the money lender into selling Leyla's debt so that he can humiliate her once again by taking LaJuria Restaurant away from her and then there is Suna whose obsession with Cem has no bounds in trying to make Leyla believe that she isn't worthy of Cem both in stature and family ties. Leyla being Leyla refuses to be defeated lashes back and gets the Q- Pera principle owners attention- Ahysen Gojerologu. With the actions of Ahysen's nephew Emre we get a glimpse into how this powerful company owner has reacted to all this bad publicity that Leyla has generated on social media and how women are being treated by the boys club leaders in Turkish Business.
The final scenes in Episode 8 shows a very distraught Haldun throwing a temper tantrum inside La Juria restaurant as Emre has just informed him that Ahysen has fired every member of the board. Emre talking to Haldun
Emre: Aunt Ahysen has decided that the board of Q-Pera is to be replaced….. you and the other board member will receive your compensation….. Haldun…. You're still going through your divorce is that correct
Haldun: Yes… what does that have to do with it
Emre: Looks like all that money will be going to her
To add salt to his wounds Inci calls Haldun
Inci: Haldun…. I just wanted to let you know that you will concede to all my demands since I now have in my possession all the documents where you tried to frame Tevic Kumcu … you no longer have any Trump card… your finished... Inci smiles as she knows that back is a bitch especially for Haldun
The scene shifts to the block party that Leyla, Cem, Sinasi and Aylin throw for the neighborhood in their appreciation for watching over them and Leyla's promise to play with the children.
With Emre and Suna looking on and seeing how loving Leyla and Cem have become, they also spot Haldun showing his final act of chauvinistic stupidity.
Emre: this will be to painful to watch… how shameful … Emre walks away
Suna: I love shame….. continues watching
Haldun walks up to Leyla and starts yelling: I will not be destroyed by a single woman
Inci: No two women... raising her two fingers
Sureyya: Make that three woman
Leyla: You did this to yourself…. Your treatment of all woman ….. you're finished get out of here you're not welcomed.
Haldun advances towards Leyla and Cem forcefully pushes him back when all the other neighborhood men rush and push Haldun away
Suna: time for me to leave
Sinasi: Time to finish playing…. What show we play….. Hide and seek
Everyone takes their places as Sinasi starts counting…. Cem and Leyla with a bowl of cherries hide under the table and both eat their cherries in Leyla's trademark fashion. They confirm their commitment to each other then they kiss passionately and the series comes to an end.
Episode 9
Episode 9 begins with Emre on the phone with Ahysen Gojerologu
Emre: yes aunt Ahysen I've carried out your orders and all the board members have been terminated…. Haldun was furious but then realized he no longer had any leverage… he shouldn't be a problem for us in the future
Ahysen: have you talked to Cem
Emre: Yes , I have…. He asked about how the company would fix the mess that Haldun made with Leyla….. He has said that Leyla never should have been treated the way she was….. he would step down if need be
Ahysen: what are your thoughts can they work together
Emre: they have become inseparable
Ahysen: How is Suna reacting to them being together
Emre: Suna is being Suna… I warned her about her torturing herself for a man that doesn't love her….. Cem only wants Leyla that's obvious
Ahysen: I want you to inform Leyla that I want to speak with her when I arrive in Istanbul
Emre: Can I know what you have decided…. Leyla will ask me… that's her nature
Ahysen: I need to see who this girl is before I decide anything….. tell her that if she wants to know she needs to meet with me. I will be in Istanbul in two days …. Set the meeting with Leyla at LaJuria on the third day
Emre calls Leyla
Emre: Miss Leyla… I've been trying to get in touch with you since all this confusion that Haldun has created for the company… My Aunt Ahysen Gojerologu would like to talk to you when she arrives in Istanbul.
Leyla: Why does Madam Gojerologu want to talk to me
Emre: she has received such conflicting reports concerning you ….. she has decided to find out for herself what she should believe
Leyla: Madam Gojerologu never concerned herself before ….. why now
Emre: Miss Leyla…. You have gotten everyone's attention…. You're right about your observation…. But with you she has made an exception….. what can I tell her… will you take the meeting
Leyla: I will get back with you tomorrow… I need to think about it
Emre: I'll wait for your call
Leyla immediately calls Cem
Leyla: Cem… I've just received a phone request from Emre Gojerologu asking that I meet with Ahysen Gojerologu… Do you know what she wants to talk to me about…. Can I trust either one of them since they have protected those board members before
Cem: Emre has been in touch with me after they removed all the board members…. I asked him what the company meaning Madam Gojerologu was going to do to correct all the mistakes made against you…. I even offered to resign if they made everything right by you
Leyla: Don't you dare resign because of me…. What do you know about her…..
Cem: I only know her by her reputation….. she is a very tuff lady…. Grandfather knows her ….. he made the phone call to her for Gulten to get the records to overthrow Haldun…. Why don't I pick you up and you can talk to grandpa and get whatever questions you have
Leyla: I want to be prepared …. So you soon my love
Cem and Leyla drive up to the farm
Leyla: This farm is so beautiful…. So relaxing…. Can we spend more time here
Cem: we can come here anytime you want…. Grandpa has taken a special liking to you
Leyla: Tevik Bey…. Thank you for seeing me
Tevik: Leyla …. It's grandfather…. If my grandson would stop waisting time and put the ring on your finger
Leyla blushes but smiles immensely and Cem realizes it's time
Tevik: Tell me dear what is that you want to know
Leyla: Madam Gojerologu has asked for a meeting with me and I simply want to be prepared….It's like I keep going into the lions den and each time I tend to loose a portion of myself….. What is she like and what is she looking to get out of me
Tevik: Ahysen is a self made woman much like yourself…. She had the benefit of her family's wealth and increased it more than the family could've ever imagined….. she can be tuff and even ruthless but one thing I noticed about her she is fair
Leyla: why would she want to talk to me especially since she allowed Haldun to do what he did.
Tevik: Leyla dear ….. I don't think she likes what happened to you ….. the company's reputation is her reputation….. you have nothing to loose to talk to her…. You may have much to gain…. You may even learn from her… she certainly knows how to manage the boys clubs
Cem: grandpa…. Leyla loves the peacefulness of the farm ….. I would like to take her to one of my special places hear…. If you don't mind
Tevik: children this place is yours to enjoy ….. Tevik smiles knowing that Cem has found his one true love
Cem: Leyla I've never asked you ….. have you ridden a horse
Leyla: I've always wanted to but never had the time or the horse
Cem retrieves one of the gentle mares that Leyla can be comfortable on and helps get her on it . Leyla is all excited another new experience with her love.
Leyla: our life together will be interesting….. one new experience after another
Cem: we've waisted so much time now this is our time and I promise you a life you can't imagine.
As they gently ride through the orchard Cem stops under an Apple tree .
Cem: lets pick apples and talk
Leyla reaches to the branches and picks two ripen apples and gives one to Cem
Leyla: you haven't forgotten anything about us
Cem: Leyla my beloved since the first time I saw you ….. you stole my heart …. No one could compare to you since that night we were together… fate and circumstances took years aways from us and grandpa is right I can't waist any more time not having you with me all the time… Leyla I love you more than life itself….. I can no longer go another day without you…. Will you marry me so that we can always be together
Leyla's heart is pounding and her smile and eyes are sparkling….. : Yes, yes , yes…. Can we marry on this spot ?
Cem gets off his horse and helps his bride to be off hers and places the big diamond ring that he has been waiting to give her.
Leyla gives him the most passionate of kisses: when did you decide
Cem : our first night… I knew that I wanted you as my wife and I never lost hope even after all the quarrels and misunderstanding…. I was so heart broken when I saw you with Iskender, but your heart always belonged to me.
Leyla: What are we going to do about Suna…. She is obsessed with you
Cem : she can be obsessed all she wants, when she sees we are married she will do what she did the last time when I told her that I loved you…. Torture herself…. I've never loved her and she has abused our friendship.
Leyla: Let's go show grandpa…. I have a family finally
After Tevik's approval Cem takes Leyla so that she can share the news with Aylin and Sinasi.
Leyla: you two along with Sureyya are my family…. I wanted to share my happiness with you
Sinasi: Look at that diamond... when and where will the wedding take place
Leyla: under the apple tree where Cem asked me on the farm.
Aylin: I give up marriage and now you are the one getting married… as it should be
Sinasi: Aylin…. You where never meant to marry that gorilla…. He never deserved you…. There is someone that is destined for your beauty and craziness
Sinasi: what have you decided about the meeting with Madam Gojerologu
Leyla: I've decided to meet with her to find out what she seeks….. I don't have a job nor a restaurant …. What do I have to loose
Cem: but now you will have a husband…. As much as I want you to be with me tonight … I know we will do this properly but soon…. So I will see you tomorrow and we can go to the marriage license office and register to get married
Leyla gives Cem a very passionate kiss to keep him thinking of their wedding night
After Cem leaves Leyla reveals her uneasiness about her coming wedding night
Leyla: Aylin…. You've experienced it….. what do I do …. I love Cem so much but I don't want not to please him
Aylin: trust me when he gazes at your body he will be pleased…. Cem loves you as much as you love him….. if he is experienced he will be gentle with you….. if he has never been with a woman he will be like you and the two of you will help each other… your love for each other will guide you.
Sinasi : truer words were ever spoken…. Aylin….. how did you become so romantic
Aylin: when it comes to making love…. Your body guides you
Leyla: So I shouldn't be worried
Aylin: relax and enjoy … the more you do it the better your understanding of each other
The next morning Leyla calls Emre and informs him that she will meet Madam Gojerologu
Leyla receives a call from Sureyya
Sureyya: Leyla darling…. I just received the best news from Tevik….you must come and see me and show me your ring….. Are you happy my dear
Leyla: I couldn't be more happy…. Cem and I are going to the marriage license bureau and then I'll come to see you
Sureyya: Cem isn't waisting any time
Leyla: I also want it soon, circumstances have always gotten in the way , not this time.
Sureyya: Even though this tragedy was devastating… it's been good for you….. it's allowed you to prioritize your life… having true love in your life is a necessity
Leyla: are you saying this for just me or is this applying to yourself… are you and grandfather Tevik together again
Sureyya: though we spent so many years apart….. our love has always been true and real… you will not call me grandmother…. Mother I will accept since I couldn't be more proud of a daughter like you
Leyla kisses and hugs Surreyya… I don't know what I would have done without your guidance and love
Sureyya: Daughter …. You have been an inspiration ….. you have changed all of our lives….. when is the wedding and where
Leyla: It will be this weekend and it will be at the farm…. The spot where Cem asked me to marry him
Sureyya: Tevik and I will make it beautiful for you
Leyla: Can I ask you for your opinion….. I'm meeting with Madam Gojerologu tomorrow. Grandfather Tevik gave me his opinion and told me that you to know her and have had dealings with her….. Why would you think she would want to meet with me and what is she looking from me?
Sureyya: She is just a woman….. a very powerful woman that has succeed in a man's world… My dealings with her were about men as is the case with my dealings with most other women. We clashed but I usually got the man if I wanted him…. She resented me for it but she also respected me. You've done what no other woman other than me….. is for her to take notice of you. When you meet with her be yourself….. my sweet Leyla you are at your best when you are you…remember she is just a woman.
The next day Emre calls Leyla to tell her the time of her meeting at LaJuria. When Leyla arrives at the restaurant she created all the staff that she had hired smile and ask if she is returning . Leyla smiles back but does not answer as she is escorted to Ahysen Gojerologu's table. As Leyla approaches Madam Gojerologu begins to understand why this young girl has the admiration of so many.
Madam Gojerologu puts out her hand in the anticipation for Leyla to kiss it , but Leyla simply shakes it and says : It's a pleasure to meet you
Ahysen : I asked to meet you because you've created such a firestorm in my company that I needed to see you for myself
Leyla: I didn't create any firestorm….. your men did that… I have to ask you …. Why did you allow such treatment of me
Ahysen: I was given conflicting reports….. I was told you weren't a team player…. You couldn't take orders
Leyla: what did your reports tell you as to how Asude came about ….. whose vision brought Asude to life or weren't you concerned as long as the profits were expanded.
Ahysen: Asude was a great success , that's why I agreed to expand it in other countries.
Leyla: Yet I wasn't good enough to expand it even that it's birth and growth were under my guidance…. Was it your decision …. You are the owner …. I maid a serious mistake in going to shark money lenders….. I paid the ultimate price in loosing everything….. what price have you paid
Ahysen realizes that Leyla is no wall flower and is not intimidated by her prominence
Ahysen: What price have I paid….. that's an interesting question….. with a single video you put into question my life's work….. My company is now viewed as a company that hates women even though I a woman am it's owner. You've made me fire my board…. my restaurants appear to be leaderless….. I've paid a price …. Since we both paid a price…. How can this be amended … what is it that you seek
Leyla: First of all your companies aren't leaderless….. Cem Kumcu is an exceptional leader especially when his hands aren't tied… Your board or should we say your Good Old Boys Club were more harmful than good. They had no vision and they had no purpose. Cem's plan for over seas expansion is exceptional and on target, I couldn't have done better even if I had done it. Now you ask what do I seek…. I seek what is mine, before all the crooked deals and shenanigans forced me to loose everything.
Ahysen: Are you asking that I simply give you LaJuria debt free
Leyla: absolutely not….. I was able to pay my debt payments if Cevic and Haldun hadn't played a crooked game on me. I will pay my debt but I will need a little time to restore all the damage that has been done.
Ahysen: so you want to be partners with me, until which time your debt is paid, but how does Asude's reputation or my reputation get restored?
Leyla: Cem will find away
Ahysen: you speak fondly of Cem and his abilities
Leyla: Cem is the love of my life and we are to be married this weekend….. aside from that he is very good at his job….. we've been competing head to head ever since he was given the job that I deserved. You need to create a board that will be helpful and not hinder Cem …Asude will reach the heights that I had envisioned it would throughout Europe and even America. Your Good Old Boys Club Board mentality must be abolished and a new vision must be placed.
Ahysen: How would you structure the new board
Leyla: For starters I would put two women and two men with Cem being the tie breaker…. That will go a long way in dispelling the notion that Asude hates women. One of the women I would recommend is Sureyya… she would definitely keep the men in line
Ahysen: It's funny you mention my old nemesis Sureyya …. She certainly has her way with men….. This has been an interesting conversation …. Will you join me tomorrow …. I will be holding a press conference and announcing our new vision for Asude and how our little disagreement will be resolved
Leyla: How has our little disagreement been resolved…. We've talked nothing has been settled.
Ahysen: Leyla…. I need to make some phone calls…. Everything will be settled to everyone's liking… by the way is your new partner invited to your wedding
Leyla gasps for air…. Of course your invited and immediately hugs Ahysen
Ahysen calls Emre to come and join her, while Leyla calls Cem
Leyla: sweetheart can we meet….. I need to be with you right now
Cem: What happened did Ahysen offend you
Leyla : No she didn't offend me …. She actually surprised me….. I don't want to talk on the phone …. I want to be with you
Cem: I will be right over and we can go to the farm and talk
The next day at the Asude head quarters Ahysen Gojerologu holds a press conference Emre speaks first and introduces his Aunt
Emre: My dear aunt Ahysen Gojerologu is a self made woman that has risen to the highest pinnacle of the corporate world with her many companies and business venture. Normally she stays in the background and has her employees talking for her… because of the great injustice that was created by the former board of Asude ….. Madam Gojerologu has decided to inform the public in her commitment in correcting the Injustice… It is with great honor that I introduce Madam Gojerologu
Ahysen: Thank you Emre for the wonderful introduction…. Let me begin I was greatly disappointed in what transpired this past week in how the former board unjustly conspired to ruin the reputation and caused great damage to Leyla Yuksel. There is no excuse for how Leyla was treated. I fired each board member for their actions. Leyla was kind enough to join me today….. I must say The Asude National and International Brand wouldn't be if it weren't for Leyla's vision and hard work. Leyla showed her vision and hard work once again when she opened LaJuria Restaurant. It gives me great pleasure to announce Leyla and I are equal partners in the LaJuria Restaurant with operations under Leyla's complete control.
As for the Asude Board….. Leyla has accepted in becoming its first female member. The Second Female member is my good friend Sureyya . My nephew Emre Gojerologu and another male member will be named in the coming week. Cem Kumcu will remain the CEO. I have great confidence in this team restoring Asude's good name and reputation…. I will be glad to answer any questions
Reporter: First question is for Leyla…. Leyla your video went viral and caused a great deal of ruckus in the business community…. Is this announcement today a form of appeasement
Leyla: absolutely not…. Madam Gojerologu a very successful business woman herd my voice….. she reached out to me and herd my grievance… she restored what was was taken away from me unjustly…. I will pay my debt to her…. That was all I asked…. I'm no different than any woman in the work place ….. Let me do my work and treat me fairly… I shouldn't be treated differently because I'm a woman. As far as her placing me on the Asude Board… I developed the Asude Brand….. I worked very hard to make it succeed. As a board member I will continue that work.
Ahysen: let me be clear….. Leyla being named to the Asude board is because of merit she earned it
Reporter 2: Mr Kumcu during the last interview you said that Leyla's termination was justified will you and Leyla be able to work together
Leyla : I would like to answer that question…. Not only can we work together … we will be living together since I will be his wife
Cem: Does that answer your question….. Leyla and I have a long history together
Emre: The changes that have been made to the Asude brand will be evident … a great team has been assembled ….. that's all the questions will will take ….. thank you for your cooperation