President Sterling wasted no time. The casual, almost leisurely pace of their previous interactions vanished, replaced by an urgent, focused intensity. He immediately summoned David Finch, his Chief of Staff, along with a few trusted advisors from intelligence and security. Ellie could only imagine the hushed, urgent discussions happening behind closed doors, discussions that revolved around her and her father's "missing ledger."
Ellie, meanwhile, was instructed to maintain her normal routine. "Act precisely as you always do, Miss Chen," President Sterling had told her, his voice low and firm. "Your chaos is your best disguise. No one will suspect you're suddenly a key player in an international incident. In fact, if you could perhaps accidentally spill something on a prominent dignitary, that would actually be quite helpful right now." He even managed a faint, encouraging smile.
She tried her best to appear normal, but it was difficult. Her senses were on high alert. She still saw "Gary," the new cleaner, lurking, his eyes following her whenever he thought she wasn't looking. She noticed Agent Miller's patrols seemed to converge on her location more frequently, though his expression remained perfectly neutral. The White House, once her playground of amiable mishaps, now felt like a stage, and she was playing a dangerous part.
Later that week, President Sterling made his first public move. During a routine press conference, ostensibly about domestic policy, he subtly inserted a line that made Ellie's heart leap into her throat.
"And finally," he announced, addressing the assembled press corps, "I want to take a moment to address the growing concerns about transparency and accountability in international business dealings. It is imperative that all nations uphold the highest standards of financial ethics. As such, the United States is initiating a new, global 'Clean Commerce Initiative,' focusing particularly on industries susceptible to illicit activities, such as... timber and infrastructure development. We believe in ensuring that all transactions are, shall we say, crystal clear, like a freshly polished floor."
Ellie, watching the live broadcast from the staff break room, nearly dropped her tea. "Timber." "Infrastructure development." "Crystal clear, like a freshly polished floor." It was so subtle, yet so pointed. It was a direct, public shot across the bow of Minister Chen and the Project Phoenix conspirators. He was sending a message, a warning, right under the noses of the international community. And he had subtly woven her own cleaning metaphors into a presidential statement. It was audacious. It was brilliant. And it was all for her.
The press, predictably, focused on the "Clean Commerce Initiative" as a broader economic policy, missing the subtle, specific threats entirely. But Ellie knew. And undoubtedly, somewhere in Xanadu, Minister Chen would also know.
That evening, President Sterling summoned her to his study. He looked tired, but a gleam of satisfaction was in his eyes.
"So, Miss Chen," he began, gesturing for her to sit. "Did you catch my little speech today?"
Ellie nodded, a mixture of awe and apprehension in her chest. "Yes, Mr. President. 'Crystal clear like a freshly polished floor.' Very... memorable."
He chuckled. "Indeed. A little message for our friends in Xanadu. Particularly Minister Chen. Let them know we're watching. And that some 'lost' documents might just find their way back to the light." He then leaned forward, his expression serious. "This initiates a response, Miss Chen. They will know we are onto them. They will likely try to accelerate their plans, or try to silence you. You must be more vigilant than ever. Do you understand the danger?"
Ellie swallowed hard. "Yes, Mr. President. I understand." She did. The White House was no longer just a place of funny mishaps; it was a battleground.
He nodded, then softened his gaze. "Good. And remember, you're not alone in this. We have eyes and ears. And I have... you." He paused, then stood. "Now, I believe there's a certain ancient Presidential bust that needs polishing. It's looking rather dull. Perhaps a bit too opaque." He gave her a pointed look, a subtle reminder of the transparency he was demanding.
Ellie stood, a new sense of purpose hardening her resolve. She was no longer just the clumsy cleaner. She was the President's unexpected ally, the key to a truth that could shake nations. And she would not let him down. The game was on.