"Says the one who's about to throw down with Lilia like it's a national event."
Irina didn't miss a beat. "This is how I am," she said simply, her voice composed and unapologetic.
Lilia smirked, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Indeed. You like to show off, Irina. You're no different from Julia when it comes to that."
Irina arched a brow, almost amused. "Guess I am."
"Oh? In denial too?" Lilia countered with a half-laugh. "You strike with a flourish every time. It's basically choreography at this point."
"Elegance isn't showing off," Irina replied, lifting her chin slightly. "It's efficiency with flair."
Julia snorted. "You two bicker like high-fashion assassins."
At that moment, footsteps approached, steady and familiar. Ethan arrived beside them, his expression unreadable, arms loose at his sides as he took in the group dynamic.
