Bella's POV
I caught her eye for a split second before turning to face the table with what I hoped was a gracious smile. The envelope felt heavy in my hands as I accepted it from her small fingers.
Camilla's expression shifted, her perfectly practiced smile dissolving like sugar in rain.
She had orchestrated this moment, planned to deliver the announcement herself with theatrical flair. Even though everyone would discover the contents within moments anyway, the stolen spotlight clearly stung her pride.
"The 28th it is," Hugo interjected smoothly, his voice cutting through the awkward silence before anyone could voice their displeasure. "Our little messenger brings us good fortune tonight."
His reassuring nod toward Camilla was unmistakable, a gentle encouragement not to let this minor disruption sour her evening.
"Let's celebrate this wonderful news properly," Camilla declared, though I caught the way she swallowed hard, her jaw tightening with barely contained irritation.
