After Bartu's final words echoed through the meeting room, everyone gathered in silence. Those who rose from the table glared at each other and began to leave the room. Selim slammed the door, and Kerem grunted, throwing his phone into his pocket.
Orhan took a deep breath, nodded, and walked out without a word. After a while, only Bartu and Emir remained in the room. The silence was heavy. Emir crossed his arms over his chest, staring at Bartu's fists clenched angrily at the edge of the table. "Bartu…" Emir said, his voice a little softer. "You've put us all under threat. But you're right; this is sabotage.
There's someone among us, and your steps are correct." Bartu raised his head, his eyes filled with anger and cool determination. "Once I find you, Emir, I'll end your life. Whoever it is." Emir took a deep breath and fell silent, then glanced at Bartu out of the corner of his eye. "So… Masal?" Bartu froze. He hadn't expected Emir to ask that question.
Emir continued: "When you take that girl into your life, you know that not only you but also she will become a target, right? You are about to give yourself a hand in the hands of the enemy. What are you going to do?" Bartu looked into Emir's eyes after a moment of silence. "I won't leave Masal to anyone. I will turn anyone against me if necessary to protect her." Emir nodded, a slight smile appearing on his lips. "That is why I am scared Bartu.
Your weakest point will be that girl from now on." Bartu's eyes hardened, his voice was icy: "It's not weakness Emir... Masal is my biggest reason."
Emir took a step forward, his face a mixture of seriousness and a slight smile. "Okay, but know this: if it turns out that you have any interest in Masal, her life will be in danger and so will yours." Bartu looked into Emir's eyes and said, "I know, but I will never let any harm come to her." Emir shrugged, slightly annoyed, but his voice held a sincere warning: "I'm just saying; I'm worried about her, not you.
If that girl gets hurt, I'll warn you. And I'm not just saying I'll warn you—I'll help you. But don't shield yourself while you do this; you need strategy." The two of them regarded each other silently for a moment. The hallway lights were cold; the footsteps of the other partners exiting the room were distant. Bartu stuffed his hands into his pockets and headed for the door with a determined step.
Emir murmured as he watched him: "And if your love gets hurt... I won't forgive you." Bartu turned and gave him a short, stern look: "I won't forgive you either, Emir." Their smiles were cold, but they were close for years. As the two of them walked out the door, a plan, filled with both Masal's safety and clues about the traitor, was forming in Bartu's mind.