The Million-Dollar Heart

Sasha was about to add more to the conversation when Vivienne's gaze landed on the cake in her hand.

She hadn't tried this flavor before, and though she was sure it wouldn't beat a slice of good old apple pie, being picky at a moment like this seemed downright immature. Sasha quickly hid it behind her back.

She'd already had her share, why was she still eyeing hers?

Seeing Arthur wouldn't be out of the kitchen anytime soon, Sasha shot Percival a look, silently assigning him a critical mission.

To keep watch.

As the two of them were enjoying their sneaky treat, Arthur emerged from the kitchen, a tray in hand, his voice booming excitedly from afar, "Honey, darling, breakfast is served! Today we've got beef stew with homemade biscuits..."

Sasha nearly choked.

Vivienne decisively swallowed her last bite.

Percival calmly stepped forward to greet Arthur, cleverly blocking his view.

"Who let you in?"

Arthur frowned, clearly displeased, "And keep it down. My daughter isn't married to you yet; don't get too cozy."

Arthur took a step towards Sasha and Vivienne's direction.

Percival tried to intervene again, but Sasha had already come forward, crumbs still lingering at the corner of her mouth.

Arthur noticed immediately and leaned in, curious, "Honey, what did you eat?"

Caught off guard, Sasha pursed her lips, trying to sound casual, "...I was just really hungry, had a biscuit."

Arthur was filled with guilt, blaming his slow pace for leaving his wife famished.

"Honey, breakfast is ready, let's go eat."

Then, the cake box Sasha had been hiding fell from behind the chair, rolling to Arthur's feet.

It wasn't

Sasha with a mix

a glare before soothing Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have

I accidentally made too much and wanted the master to give it

what my wife likes, and I'll cook it for her. You, mind your own business. Come on, wife and daughter, let's

offense, but perhaps, the dishes you make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning

stated, "They're not

you saying you're

not

couldn't let it slide. Not in

let's have a

of her husband's

dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger

thought, precisely because of all the practice, she

want to compete?

off, "Enough talk,

said, clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect

was thinking the same. If you lose, let's push

want to

in front of the kitchen, Arthur

asked, "What's the

confidently, and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves

Arthur snorted.

skill from the

was sure of his

men entered the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as

her forehead,

worrying here, we might as well think of how to console

"No more bringing people home to bully your

your husband who started it. Why shouldn't I defend Mr. Wolf? This is poetic

hour later, both contestants

a mystery what