The Diplomatic Game and a New Set of Eyes

Ambassador Liu's presence in the White House sent a jolt of renewed urgency through Ellie. She was no longer just a "shadow"; she was a tangible, sophisticated threat. Her lingering gaze, her pointed comments about "unmapped territories," left no doubt that she was connected to Minister Chen's network, and she was here for a purpose.

Ellie immediately relayed the encounter to President Sterling and Agent Miller during their next discreet meeting. President Sterling listened intently, his expression grim.

"Ambassador Liu," he mused, tapping his pen on his desk. "Highly intelligent. Ruthless. Minister Chen's right hand. Her presence here confirms our suspicions. She's not here for the art. She's here because she suspects we're digging too deep into Xanadu. Specifically, into your connection to it, Miss Chen. And probably because she's looking for that microfilm."

Agent Miller, ever stoic, added, "Her security detail is extensive. And very professional. They are likely monitoring all White House communications channels, looking for any unusual activity."

Ellie felt a fresh wave of fear. They were watching, actively. "So, what do we do, Mr. President?"

"We play their game, Miss Chen," Sterling replied, a determined glint in his eye. "But we play it better. Ambassador Liu is here to probe, to intimidate, and perhaps, to neutralize the threat she perceives you to be. We will let her probe. And we will let her think she's gaining the upper hand. We'll use her overconfidence against her."

He then outlined a new phase of their operation. They would subtly "leak" carefully curated, slightly misleading information designed to pique Ambassador Liu's interest and draw her attention towards a specific, false lead. This would divert her resources and reveal her tactics.

"And you, Miss Chen," President Sterling said, looking at her, "will continue your duties. You are our most valuable asset. Your unpredictability, your 'innocent' access – they are your greatest strengths. But from now on, you will have a new set of eyes watching you, closer than ever. Not just Agent Miller, but someone else."

Just then, a discreet knock came at the study door. Agent Miller opened it, and a young woman entered. She was impeccably dressed, sharp, and had an air of quiet efficiency. She was Asian, with features that could easily blend into a crowd, but her eyes held a keen intelligence.

"Miss Chen, this is Agent Anya Petrova," President Sterling introduced. "She is a specialist in covert operations and counter-surveillance. She speaks fluent Xanadu. From now on, she will be working alongside you, disguised as a new White House staffer – perhaps a junior assistant, or even a new member of housekeeping, depending on the need."

Agent Petrova offered a small, professional smile. "It's a pleasure, Miss Chen. I've heard much about your... unique talents." Her voice was calm, controlled.

Ellie looked at Agent Petrova, then at President Sterling. A new ally. A direct, hands-on partner in her daily covert operations. This was a significant escalation. Her "Blunder Years" were officially over, replaced by a strategic, high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

"Agent Petrova will be your constant shadow, Miss Chen," President Sterling explained. "She will observe, protect, and assist you in executing specific tasks related to our 'information dissemination' strategy. She is your direct line to me, always."

He then looked at Agent Miller. "Agent Miller will continue his broader security oversight, and focus on the external Xanadu network. Ambassador Li Mei will continue to provide intelligence from the diplomatic front." He paused, his gaze sweeping over his small, unconventional team. "We have the players. We have the plan. Now, we just need to execute it flawlessly. And remember, Miss Chen, in this game, your most innocent 'blunders' might just be our most strategic moves."

Ellie nodded, a new resolve hardening her gaze. She was no longer alone in this. She had a team. A President who trusted her, a stoic protector, a shrewd diplomat, and now, a silent, skilled operative right by her side. Ambassador Liu might think she was playing a simple game, but she was about to learn that the White House, and its most unassuming cleaner, held more secrets than she could ever imagine. The gloves were off.