Chapter 16: A Game of Cards

The Grand Fortune Casino was alive with energy as the night deepened. The clinking of glasses, the soft hum of conversation, and the occasional burst of cheers or groans from the game tables created an atmosphere of anticipation and indulgence. Ali moved through the crowd with quiet confidence, his sharp eyes scanning the room for potential opportunities.

As he made his way toward the main gaming area, a loud cheer caught his attention. A group of well-dressed men and women were gathered around one of the blackjack tables. At its center was a man whose very presence demanded attention. He was in his late forties, with a thick silver beard and piercing eyes that seemed to dissect everyone in his vicinity. His expensive suit and a smug smirk revealed his wealth and his reputation as an unbeatable player.

Selda Koç was nearby, her sharp gaze fixed on the game. She leaned over to one of her assistants, murmuring something, then straightened and looked toward Ali. A flicker of intrigue crossed her face.

Ali was about to approach the table when he felt a presence behind him. He turned and found himself face-to-face with Eda Koç. She was dressed elegantly in a teal dress that complemented her hazel eyes, but her nervous smile betrayed her unease.

"Mr. Demir," she said, her voice steady despite her slight hesitation.

Ali offered her a polite smile. "Hello Miss?"

Eda clasped her hands together, her mind racing. Elif's words echoed in her head: Just talk to him. What's the worst that could happen?

"Hello. I am Eda Koç." Eda introduced herself.

"I—I hope you're enjoying yourself," she began, mentally wincing at how formal she sounded.

Ali chuckled softly, his expression softening. "I am, thank you. And you? Do you often attend these events, or is this an exception?"

Eda hesitated, her mind scrambling for a clever response. "Oh, I attend... occasionally. But only when my mother drags me here," she said, attempting a lighthearted tone.

Ali raised an eyebrow, amused. "Dragged you here? That sounds like an ordeal."

"It's not that bad," Eda replied quickly, then grimaced as she realized how awkward she sounded. "I mean, I enjoy it... sometimes. But tonight, I thought I'd... you know... talk to someone new."

Ali's chuckle deepened, a warm, genuine sound that made Eda's cheeks flush. "You're doing just fine, Miss Koç," he said kindly.

Eda exhaled, relieved. "Thank you. I'm not great at small talk."

"Neither am I," Ali admitted, his smile reassuring. "But you're better than you think."

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud voice from the blackjack table.

"Mr. Demir," Selda called, her tone commanding yet playful. "I have a proposal for you."

Ali turned to face her, his expression calm but curious. "What kind of proposal, Ms. Koç?"

Selda gestured toward the silver-bearded man at the table. "This is Sinan Arman, one of the most skilled blackjack players in the country. He rarely loses. If you can beat him tonight, I'll consider working with you."

The room grew quieter as heads turned to watch the exchange. Sinan smirked, clearly enjoying the attention.

Ali considered her words carefully. He had planned to build a connection with Selda through subtlety, but this opportunity was too direct to ignore. "If that's your condition," he said smoothly, "then I accept."

Selda's smile widened. "Excellent. Let's see if you can hold your own."

---

The Game

The blackjack table was soon surrounded by spectators eager to witness the showdown. Ali took his seat across from Sinan, who regarded him with an amused expression.

"You're brave, Mr. Demir," Sinan said, shuffling the cards with practiced ease. "But bravery alone doesn't win games."

Ali met his gaze steadily. "Neither does arrogance."

Sinan chuckled, clearly enjoying the challenge.

The game began, and other players joined in. One by one, they were eliminated, unable to match Sinan's skill and precision. Ali, however, played carefully, observing Sinan's every move.

Kemal's teachings echoed in his mind: Gambling is about control. Stay calm, read your opponent, and know when to take the risk.

Sinan raised an eyebrow as Ali won a modest round, nodding slightly in approval. "You're good," he said. "But not good enough."

Ali didn't respond, focusing instead on the cards. As the rounds progressed, the stakes grew higher, and the tension in the room became palpable.

Finally, it came down to the two of them. Sinan smirked, confident as always, and placed his bet. Ali followed suit, his face unreadable.

The cards were dealt, and the room held its breath. Ali studied his hand, then glanced at Sinan, who was watching him with a predatory gleam.

Patience, Kemal's voice reminded him. Wait for the right moment.

Ali placed his next bet, and when the final card was revealed, the crowd erupted in cheers. Ali had won.

Sinan's smirk vanished, replaced by a look of disbelief. "Well played, Mr. Demir," he said grudgingly.

Selda, who had been watching intently, stepped forward. "Impressive," she said, her voice tinged with genuine admiration. "I keep my word, Mr. Demir. We'll meet tomorrow to discuss our partnership."

Ali inclined his head politely. "I look forward to it, Ms. Koç."

---

An Unexpected Connection

As the crowd dispersed, Eda approached Ali, her expression a mix of amazement and curiosity.

"That was incredible," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Ali smiled faintly. "Thank you. It was... educational."

Eda laughed, the tension from earlier finally dissipating. "You make it sound so simple."

Ali glanced at her, noticing the relaxed warmth in her demeanor. "Sometimes, simplicity is the key to success."

Eda tilted her head, studying him. "Do you ever take a break from being enigmatic?"

Ali's smile widened slightly. "Occasionally. Do you?"

She laughed again, shaking her head. "Touché. Speaking of breaks, I could use one. There's a little ice cream cart just outside the casino. Care to join me?"

Ali hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Why not?"

---

Outside, the cool night air was a welcome contrast to the casino's stifling opulence. Eda ordered a cone of pistachio ice cream, while Ali opted for chocolate.

As they strolled along the quiet street, their conversation flowed more easily. Eda spoke about her work as a lawyer, her passion for justice, and her occasional frustration with the casino world her mother inhabited.

"And you?" she asked, glancing at him. "What drives a man like Ali Demir?"

Ali's practiced smile returned. "Opportunities," he said simply. "I follow them where they lead."

Eda frowned slightly, sensing there was more to his story than he let on. But before she could press further, Ali shifted the conversation.

"You mentioned your mother earlier," he said casually. "I assume she's Ms. Koç?"

Eda nodded, surprised. "Yes, she is. Why?"

Ali's smile didn't waver, but inwardly, he filed the information away. "Just curious," he said lightly. "It must be... interesting, being her daughter."

Eda shrugged, licking her ice cream. "It has its challenges, but she's my mother. I can't complain too much."

As they finished their ice cream, Eda pulled out her phone. "Would it be alright if we exchanged numbers? In case you ever need legal advice or... another ice cream buddy?"

Ali chuckled softly, pulling out his phone. "I'd be honored, Miss Koç."

They exchanged numbers, and as Eda turned to leave, she glanced back at him. "Goodnight, Mr. Demir. I hope we meet again soon."

Ali watched her go, his smile fading as he turned back toward the casino. The night had been productive, but it was only the beginning.

As he walked away, he texted Kemal about it and soon enough his phone buzzed with a message from Kemal: "Well done. Let's talk."

Ali pocketed the phone, his mind already on the next move in their dangerous game.

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