After Elias left, Lassen turned to Alex with an exaggerated sigh. He sank even deeper into his chair, grabbed the novel resting on the coffee table, and opened it to the marked page.

    — Your problem is solved. Leave me alone, he said casually, flipping through the pages.

    Alex, standing near the bookshelf, crossed his arms. His sharp gaze remained fixed on Lassen. Adrian, silent, observed the scene from his usual spot in the corner, his impassive face hiding a trace of amusement.

    — Master, you don''t realize the repercussions of what you just did, Alex said gravely.

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, barely interested.

    — Oh no, not another one of your disaster theories, Alex. Let me guess—aliens are going to invade because we ordered too many electrical cables?

    Alex shook his head.

    — I''m serious. Semiconductors aren''t like any other industry. The U.S. and Europe have dominated this field forever. They''re not just economic pillars—they''re strategic. They''ll never let anyone develop them freely without intervening. You''ve just triggered an international alarm.

    Lassen slowly put his book down, this time genuinely intrigued. He studied Alex for a few seconds before shrugging.

    — Shut up, Lassen snapped, throwing a cushion at the system''s illusory interface, knowing full well it wouldn''t accomplish anything.

    Adrian exchanged a subtle glance with Alex, who, despite the situation, allowed a small smile.

    — Fine, Master, Alex finally said. We''ll try to avoid the authorities... for now. But if the pressure builds, we''ll need a Plan B. And this time, you won''t have an excuse.

    Lassen let out a long sigh and grabbed his book again.

    — Alright, alright. But I''m warning you—if I have to wear another suit and smile at a king or a minister, I''m moving to a deserted island.

    [I can find one for you, by the way. With or without internet access?] the system suggested, dripping with sarcasm.

    — Stop it. I''m reading, Lassen said, flipping through the pages as he ignored Adrian''s quiet chuckle in the corner.

    ---

    As Alex left the room to coordinate the next step with Elias, Adrian lingered, watching Lassen dive back into his novel as if nothing had happened. Yet even Lassen knew, deep down, that this project had crossed a line he could no longer ignore.