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And that—that almost throws me.

“I’m trying to win.”

And there it is.

Clean.

Honest.

No mask.

Something inside me settles.

Locks into place.

I step forward.

Just enough to close the distance.

“So am I.”

Her eyes flash.

She studies me—really studies me—like she’s recalculating something.

Then…

a slow nod.

“Good,” she says quietly.

Almost approving.

“Because I don’t want to win easily.”

A breath slips out of me.

Not shaky.

Not unsure.

Steady.

“Wouldn’t be worth it.”

Her lips curve again.

This time just enough to show teeth.

“May the best woman win.”

I hold her gaze.

Don’t blink.

“Yeah,” I say.

“Let’s find out.”