The room still pulsed with excitement as he added with careful precision: “You three really pushed all the right buttons today…”

“That’s what she said,” Juniper shot back, her expression fierce yet playful, riding the high of victory.

Roma’s face went perfectly blank for a moment before his smile returned. “Very good,” he managed. “I’d laugh but in the moment I’m struggling to find this funny.”

They all continued moving toward the exit, carried by the flow of the celebrating crowd. Daniel and Juniper drifted slightly ahead, their shoulders brushing as they navigated the press of bodies.