An ambush forces Ms. Smith into the open when rivals reveal they used Evan as bait, accusing her of meddling in Santrian affairs and ordering a hunt. She fights back, overpowers and captures attackers, and listens as they beg for mercy, confessing they sided with Evan after Santrians were slaughtered. After warning them, Ms. Smith's aide reports the situation handled. Suddenly a call informs her a relative is gravely ill; she orders Felix to book the fastest flight home and insists their identities stay hidden. She leaves abruptly, leaving captives taken away and the ambush's consequences unresolved.