Zavyalov sighed heavily.
— I understand your position. Kasatkin has already been fired. We conducted an internal investigation and found that he acted alone, without informing the company’s management.
— It was his personal initiative that brought you three large contracts, — Gennady Rudnitsky reminded him. — Are you trying to say you never questioned where you suddenly got such accurate information about your competitors’ proposals?
The ‘Status-Tech’ lawyer intervened:
— We cannot be held responsible for the actions of an individual employee if they were committed without the sanction of the management.
— You can, — Vera Yazvinskaya calmly countered. — According to the Civil Code, a legal entity is liable for the harm caused by its employee in the performance of their job duties. Kasatkin acted within the scope of his authority, attracting clients, developing the business. The fact that his methods were illegal does not absolve the company of responsibility.
Zavyalov was silent, contemplating what he had heard.
— Alright, — he said finally. — Let’s speak plainly. What do you want?
— Compensation for damages, — Pavel said clearly. — 13 million. These are the direct losses from the three contracts you obtained thanks to stolen information. Plus a public apology and an admission of unfair competition.
— 13 million? — Zavyalov turned pale. — That will ruin us.
— You should have thought about that earlier, — Gennady said sternly.
Zavyalov exchanged a glance with his lawyer. The lawyer quickly wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to him. Zavyalov read it and nodded.
— Pavel Igorevich, — he said. — I propose a settlement agreement. We will pay you 7 million in compensation, withdraw from the three disputed contracts—you can try to win the clients back—and publicly admit that the information was obtained illegally. In return, you do not file a lawsuit and do not create publicity.
Pavel squinted, considering the offer.
— Seven million is not enough, — he said. — Nine, and we get our clients back without any resistance from you. Plus, you publish an official statement admitting guilt.
Zavyalov consulted with his lawyer in a whisper.
— Eight, — he offered. — And we’ll publish the statement, but without mentioning specific amounts and details. Just an admission of a breach of business ethics.
Pavel looked at Gennady. He nodded: the amount was acceptable.
— It’s a deal, — Pavel said. — Vera, draw up the settlement agreement. The money is to be transferred within two weeks. The statement is to be published no later than Monday.
— Agreed, — Zavyalov nodded and extended his hand.
Pavel shook it. The handshake was brief and formal. When the guests had left, Gennady rubbed his hands in satisfaction.
— Eight million is an excellent result, — he said. — Plus we get the clients back. We’ve not only plugged a hole in the budget but also restored our market position.
— Yes, — Pavel agreed. — But that’s not the most important thing.
— What is?
