As was caught off guard when he spotted Nick in the living room, but he quickly approached Grady. "Grady, the security team headed to the Northside branch. They''ve asked to see you."


    Grady''s fingers paused on the wooden beads wrapped around his wrist. He looked at As, squinting slightly, "The security team wants to butt in too?"


    "Looks like it. ording to our guys, the authorities brought a bunch of people, and they''re all armed," As reported quickly, his voice calm and steady.


    Grady rolled his neck and stood up from his chair. "Alright, let''s go meet them." As nodded and stepped aside.


    Nick overheard their conversation and pondered for a moment before asking, "Should Ie along?"


    Grady raised his hand. "No need. You shouldn''t show your face with the authorities around."


    Nick thought about his position at the research institute and understood Grady''s concern for his safety. He stayed quiet and didn''t press the issue.


    Soon, Grady and As were on their way to the Northside branch.


    When they arrived, they were met by a ring of stern, armed personnel, each with a gun at the ready, creating a tense atmosphere.


    As drove up to the gate, the dark muzzles of guns aimed directly at the car.


    As smirked slightly, showing no signs of being fazed, as if he was used to such scenes. Without getting out of the car, he rolled down the window and spoke to the guards outside.


    In a moment, the guns were lowered, and the heavy iron gate slowly opened, allowing the car to drive in.


    *


    Meanwhile...


    "James, you''re implicated in an illegal arms deal. You''ll need toe with us," Andrew, dressed in a ck tactical uniform, said, his gaze fixed on James. Though his tone was polite, it was clear he wasn''t there for friendly reasons.


    James was lounging on the sofa, seemingly unfazed by Andrew''s aggressive stance. He slowly picked up his coffee cup, took a sip, and then spoke, "Illegal deal? Is Andrew joking with me or with the Bureau of Arms?"


    The Bureau of Arms was a unique agency set up by the World Alliance, independent of any country. It handled not only official arms transactions but also cooperated with local forces.


    However, local forces needed official approval to buy weapons from the Bureau of Arms. Deals without official consent were considered illegal.


    Of course, the extent of these dealings depended on the country''s control. As long


    as it didn''t involve highly dangerous or special weapons, authorities often turned a blind eye.


    No one wanted to cross the Bureau of Arms.


    Andrew, with his square-jawed face and official demeanor, smirked slightly. "Mr: James, there''s no need to bring the Bureau of Arms


    this. I''m just doing my job, to


    Whether you''re involved in illegal sales needs to be rified. Don''t you think it''s best to clear your name?"


    James set down his coffee cup, still rxed, not responding to Andrew''s statement.


    Seeing this, Andrew''s eyes narrowed slightly, and he continued, "Do you think having Sam on your side means you can do whatever you want?"


    At this, James finally lifted his head to look at Andrew, his dark eyes deep and cold. "Are you looking for trouble?"