Retention Agreement Verbage

Location: Ohio

I have a retention bonus agreement with my employer and I’m trying to figure out whether I’d have to repay the bonus if I resign on September 1, 2026.

The agreement has two different statements: I’m expected to remain employed “through September 2026.” It also says I intend to remain employed “through at least August 2026.”

But the actual repayment clause says:
“If you voluntarily terminate your employment prior to September 2026, you will be required to refund the full gross amount of $10,000.”

My question is: Does “prior to September 2026” make September 1 or later a safe day to resign without having to pay back the money? Or would a court likely read the agreement as requiring me to stay through the end of September because of the other language?