Episode 6 of "The Residence" kicks off with a mysterious woman trekking deep into the Ecuadorean forests, her destination being Cordelia Cupp, who has retreated into seclusion in a treehouse, eager to catch a glimpse of a rare avian species. Unbeknownst to Cordelia, the woman has other intentions, leaving behind provisions alongside a briefcase containing a satellite phone and a tablet, both courtesy of Edwin. Curiosity piqued, Cordelia utilizes the tablet to tune into the unfolding Senate hearing that delves into the enigmatic "third man."
Meanwhile, within the Senate chambers, Harry is on the verge of explosion as the hearing descends into chaos. Desperately, he attempts to coerce the chairperson into restoring order.
Flashing back to the fateful night of the murder, Cordelia embarks on an investigation within the White House, stumbling upon bloodstains in the Lincoln Bedroom on the second floor. Her probe extends to adjacent rooms, including the Yellow Oval Room, where, with Jasmine's assistance, they uncover a clandestine staircase reserved for staff, leading upward to the third floor.
Their inquiry soon uncovers the presence of another unwelcome guest at the state dinner – "the third man." Cordelia meticulously tracks his interactions throughout the evening, noting his proximity to an Australian industrialist during the meal.
Switching back to the present, once the Senate hearing adjourns, the chairperson, in a private encounter, tries to persuade Senator Bix, a staunch critic of the administration, to abandon the case. Bix stands firm, presenting her theory: the Australian industrialist, who was seen conversing with Harry that night, hired "the third man" to eliminate Wynter after she overheard their clandestine discussion about political machinations.
Returning to the White House flashback, Cordelia ponders this same possibility, receiving confirmation from David, the Australian representative, that the industrialist is indeed capable of such deeds. However, Cordelia encounters resistance when attempting to alert the executives to the dire situation. Edward then steps in, suggesting the possibility of Wynter's suicide. Realizing that pursuing the case further could jeopardize the police chief's career, Cordelia reluctantly backs away from the investigation.
In the contemporary timeline, Senator Bix publicly announces an offer of full immunity to "the third man" in exchange for his testament. He promptly arrives at the hearing, initially attempting to brazen his way through. However, Cordelia, remotely viewing the proceedings, subtly transmits pointed questions to the judge via Edwin.
Under mounting pressure, "the third man" finally cracks: a mere salesperson who inadvertently gained White House access by tagging along with inebriated Australian representatives. While wandering the corridors in search of a restroom, he chanced upon someone hauling a body out of the Yellow Oval Room, leaving viewers on this cliffhanger as the episode concludes.
