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

looking at Sasha with a mix of hurt and

Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have

too much and wanted the

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

them 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 cold expression, "What

stated, "They're not

you saying

not

provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide.

have

aware of her husband's culinary

were hers alone to give, "Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand, reassuring

all the practice, she couldn't bear to

you want to compete?

on, cut him off,

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

I was thinking the same. If you

didn't want to wait till

of the kitchen, Arthur

"What's the

and a smile across his

Arthur snorted.

from the Dorian family, a secret

sure of his

entered the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges,

massaged her forehead, already anticipating the

calmly returned to her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here, we

more bringing people home to bully your

your husband who started it.

later, both contestants presented their

was a mystery what lay