Aleksandr admits that he used some tricks and reveals that he is actually working for Clavis TGCC Trading.

Erikssohn isn't doing too well?

But this is part and parcel for anyone who wants to make the killer deal. Business can be cruel and merciless. Don't let this get to your head, Hartmann.

Clavis TGCC doesn't sound very friendly.

I'm treating you like family now, Endmin! Calling you our Esteemed Endministrator creates distance between us! Of course, I will maintain formalities if that is your wish!

Maybe we should wrap things up for now.

Erikssohn defaulted on final payments?

I didn't plan to keep you in the dark, Esteemed Endmin. If things went my way, we would already be seated in your office going over the details of the deal — But Hartmann's sudden appearance interrupted my efforts.

My sudden appearance?! You're the criminal here, Aleksandr!

I might look like the bad guy now, Endministrator, but this isn't as simple as it looks. Perhaps you haven't heard about the situation at Erikssohn Trading House?

Endmin, I'm actually an agent representing Clavis TGCC Trading.

Very observant, Endmin!

But that's no reason for you to dress up as an Erikssohn agent! Endmin, don't trust this Aleksandr! Tons of folk in the TGCC call him the Viper... And Clavis isn't as good as he describes.

Well, I must confess that I was desperate. I know the bid from Clavis won't get us into the final round, but I refuse to give up... Rest assured this is my personal doing and has nothing to do with my company.

Consider it my mistake for failing to secure more resources for this deal... But I see true potential in this product! That said, you should realize that it's quite revolutionary, and our market may not be ready to embrace it.

I've assured my higher-ups that this product will sell. But you know how slowly large companies move — they took too long to decide and missed the window to offer a better bid...

This is why I decided to approach you under a separate identity. The aim is to get me a chance to approach you about this new opportunity. I'm definitely not a scammer.

Well... Endmin...! Don't let this man mislead you! Erikssohn is small, but your product will be the star of our next season's catalog! Our finances are healthy enough to achieve the expected sales!

Really? I heard Erikssohn shut down several offices just last week.

And for your information, Endmin, Clavis has taken over the offices they closed.

Endmin, buying out the competition is Clavis's strategy! They even included it in their annual general meetings! I'm guessing Clavis is buying your zipline sales plan just to pave the way for their lousy counterfeit!

My company is completely committed to your zipline suite... It is Erikssohn's golden opportunity to open up a new market!

Every large company does that. Media coverage is designed to generate sensation and influence stock prices. These are just standard fluctuations. It's nothing to worry about.

Standard fluctuations? What about your recent massive layoffs? Are those standard too?

Well... Change brings about life. No one survives by sticking to the same old ways. This only proves that Clavis is a dynamic company!

Clavis is a name you can trust. In any case, we're far better than some financially distressed small-timer trying to cut off loose ends everywhere!

Why you... We're not financially distressed! We're just changing our corporate focus! A directional adjustment! That's all!

Well said. On behalf of Clavis TGCC Trading, I shall provide you with a new contract.

Clavis is far superior in terms of size, professionalism, and market share. We are way better than Erikssohn, a small-timer known for defaulting on their final payments. A contract with Clavis is definitely something you can trust!