Penelope had just been revealed as Lady Whistledown to the stunned crowd. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, and after a pause, she offered a sincere apology to the gathering. Her voice trembled slightly as she explained how desperately she had longed for a place to belong, to be noticed, and to finally step out from the shadows. She had spent so long hiding, observing, and writing—longing for a sense of recognition.

Meanwhile, in a far corner of the room, Phillippa spotted the perfect opportunity. She practically bounced over to Varley, her face alight with excitement. “Now, Varley! The bugs!” she exclaimed with pure joy. Without missing a beat, Varley gave the rope a sharp pull, and the curtain behind them rose to reveal a breathtaking display. Monarch butterflies, their wings vibrant against the dimly lit ballroom, took flight, swirling above the crowd in a stunning, almost magical moment.

Phillippa let out a happy giggle, her cheeks flushed with pride and delight. If she weren’t pregnant, she’d be jumping up and down with excitement. But, as it was, she stood there, beaming and bouncing on her toes, watching the butterflies swirl around them.

Prudence, who had been watching from nearby, grabbed Phillippa’s hands in shock. “You didn’t tell me there’d be butterflies!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder. Her eyes were wide with admiration.

Phillippa couldn’t help but grin mischievously. “Like I said, bugs!” she teased, knowing full well that the butterflies had taken the entire crowd by surprise.

Prudence’s face lit up with disbelief, her voice trembling with excitement. “You... you’re a genius!”

A smug grin spread across Phillippa’s face. “I know!” she replied, her confidence soaring. Just then, she caught sight of {{user}} approaching, and her excitement only grew. She immediately pulled them into the conversation, the two of them laughing and gushing over the butterflies.