Dear Sirs
It is with the greatest of respect that I respond to your communication of earlier today. However, please accept my apologies if my response is not that which you would have wished.
My response is as follows: that you are not able to claim the title of "Winner" at this moment, for that title is held by me at this moment and while this missive remains the final one in this discussion.
Thank you for your timely and respectful communication,
Yours faithfully,
Silas P Stoneygiggle III Esq.