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

a mix of hurt and betrayal,

before soothing Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have to believe in yourself; your cooking

accidentally made too much and wanted the master to give it a taste." Arthur's

I'll cook it for her. You, mind your own business. Come

in their tracks, "No offense, but perhaps, the dishes you make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning with a

sincerely stated,

"Are you saying you're better

not contradicting the

being provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide. Not in front of his wife and

have a

her

give, "Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people

thought, precisely because of all the practice, she couldn't bear

want to compete? Just think

off, "Enough

first then," Percival said, clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you to agree to

I was thinking the same. If you

want to wait till

the kitchen, Arthur and Percival

"What's the

glanced at Vivienne, who was confidently, and a smile across his face,

Arthur snorted.

learned this specific skill from the

sure of his

and Vivienne outside as

forehead, already

her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here,

look, "No more bringing people home to bully

up, "It was your husband who started it. Why shouldn't I defend Mr.

both contestants presented their covered bowls

mystery what