Win-win situation

With a raised eyebrow, Charles tilted his head towards her. "Do you really think I would lose?"

"Of course not," she retorted. "You wouldn't have accepted the challenge if you didn't have some skills."

Maria’s amber eyes sparkled as she continued, "I guess I stole your thunder last time. You didn't even show your full potential. I wonder who is the real deal, you or me. How about... we find a chance to spar?"

"You?" Charles shook his head with a mischievous grin, "I don't play games with women."

Maria's rosy lips pouted instantly, and she huffed, "You look down on women!"

Charles was caught off guard. He didn't mean to belittle women, let alone Maria. He simply believed he had an upper hand in a competitive match against a woman.

But given Maria’s infuriated look, he had to reconsider.

After a thoughtful pause, a devilish smirk flashed across his face, "Alright. But you know, there's no fun in a game without stakes."

"Oh, definitely!" Maria's foxy tail twitched up in excitement, swayi