Pip is at home having a normal family roast dinner with her parents, Leanne and Victor, her younger brother Josh, and the family dog, Barney. The scene is relaxed and domestic, with Pip dancing with Barney, helping bring food to the table, and joking with her family.

During dinner, Leanne asks Pip about her UCAS application deadline and whether she has spent enough time on her personal statement. Pip reassures her mother that she is on top of everything, presenting herself as organized and in control despite the pressure of her EPQ investigation.

Pip's phone suddenly sounds at the table, prompting Leanne to remind her that phones are not allowed during dinner. Pip assumes the message might be from Cara or Ravi, but when Pip looks at the screen, Pip is visibly shaken by what she sees.

Panicking, Pip makes an excuse that she needs the bathroom and rushes out, slipping in the hallway on the way. Once locked inside the bathroom, Pip opens the message and finds a threatening anonymous text: You stupid bitch. Leave this alone while you still can.

The message confirms that someone knows Pip is investigating and wants Pip to stop. The threat raises the stakes of the case by turning Pip's private project into something dangerous and immediate.