Note : Thank you TheLuckyCode for the support

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    Night fell over the villa, wrapping the surroundings in a tranquil darkness, disturbed only by the dim light filtering through the windows. Elias and his team had left the lab after a long day of tests, leaving Lassen to enjoy a rare moment of peace, lounging in his chair with a book in hand.

    Adrian, stationed near the entrance, monitored the security cameras integrated into the system. Everything was calm—just as it had been for weeks. Yet, an imperceptible tension lingered in the air, a sense of unease that even Lassen seemed to notice despite his apparent indifference.

    Adrian glanced at the screen. A movement on the outer perimeter caught his eye. A dark figure had appeared at the edge of the property.

    "Alex, come here," Adrian signaled to Alex, who entered the room.

    "It''s probably just someone passing by," Alex murmured, though he didn''t believe it himself. "I''ll check it out."

    Adrian grabbed his weapon, silently slipping toward the back door to circle the villa. Alex moved toward the main entrance.

    Despite the pain, Lassen managed a faint smile.

    "Adrian... you do realize you interrupted me... right at the best part of the book?"

    Adrian growled, pressing down on the wound. "Shut up and stay awake!"

    The sound of footsteps retreating signaled that the attacker was fleeing. Alex burst into the room, gun raised.

    "He''s gone!" Alex shouted. "How''s Lassen?"

    Adrian didn''t look up. "Call an ambulance. Now!"

    For a brief moment, the scene froze. Blood seeped between Lassen''s fingers, staining his shirt. And in that suspended moment, the echo of the gunshot lingered in everyone''s minds.

    The villa''s peace had been shattered. For the first time, Lassen was vulnerable.