diff --git a/lib/core/app_protection.sh b/lib/core/app_protection.sh
index eb62a75..29e6926 100755
--- a/lib/core/app_protection.sh
+++ b/lib/core/app_protection.sh
@@ -491,10 +491,16 @@ should_protect_path() {
 
     # 1. Check for explicit critical system keywords in path (case-insensitive)
     # Protect System Settings, Preferences, Control Center, and related XPC services
+    # Also protect "Settings" (used in macOS Sequoia) and savedState files
     if [[ "$path_lower" =~ systemsettings || "$path_lower" =~ systempreferences || "$path_lower" =~ controlcenter ]]; then
         return 0
     fi
 
+    # Additional check for com.apple.Settings (macOS Sequoia System Settings)
+    if [[ "$path_lower" =~ com\.apple\.settings ]]; then
+        return 0
+    fi
+
     # 2. Protect system-critical cache directories that cause UI corruption
     # These caches are essential for modern macOS (Sonoma/Sequoia) system UI rendering
     case "$path" in
diff --git a/mole b/mole
index c9ae30a..3a6ae34 100755
--- a/mole
+++ b/mole
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
 source "$SCRIPT_DIR/lib/core/common.sh"
 
 # Version info
-VERSION="1.13.8"
+VERSION="1.13.9"
 MOLE_TAGLINE="Deep clean and optimize your Mac."
 
 # Check if Touch ID is already configured