"Dinner?" Ruth seemed to see through Smith's plan. "I suspect this is not merely a dinner invitation."

Typically, celebrations followed successful collaborations. But now, without even a meeting, they were inviting Sylvia to dinner? Was an apology just an excuse?

Sylvia nodded. "I feel Smith has ulterior motives. But if we don't go, he might not show up. If we can't catch him now, it will be even harder in the future!"

"More importantly, capturing Smith will deal a heavy blow to the GI Group. Otherwise, they'll continue developing viruses for years to come. We need to slow them down starting now!" Eric agreed, finding Sylvia's analysis logical.

"Can't spare the child and miss the wolf!" Eric said, "To prevent any mishaps, I'll place a tracker on you, Ruth. As a woman, you won't raise much suspicion. You'll accompany Sylvia."

"If possible, upon encountering Smith, we'll launch the arrest operation immediately."

The preliminary plan had taken shape.

-

In the afternoon, the Combat