The room lapsed into an uneasy silence, the celebration momentarily overshadowed by the lingering tension.
"So," Rita said finally, her voice tentative but cheerful. "Are we going to talk about how badass Bethany was back there? Because, honestly, that was some action-movie-level shooting."
Bethany blinked, caught off guard by the sudden praise. "I mean... I was just doing my part," she said, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.
"You took down, what? Three guys on bikes?" Rita pressed, grinning. "If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be sitting here right now."
"She's right," Leo said, raising his can in a toast to Bethany. "You killed it out there."
Bethany's smile widened, and she picked up her glass of soda, clinking it against Leo's can. "Thanks. I guess all that training paid off."
