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 on

froze, looking at Sasha with a mix of hurt

have to believe in yourself; your cooking is truly a

not the master's fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the

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

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 do you

sincerely stated, "They're

you saying

not contradicting the

couldn't let it slide. Not in front

have a

interjected, aware of her husband's culinary skills-or lack

not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's

of all the practice,

sure you want to compete? Just think if

cut him off, "Enough talk, let's do

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

the same. If you lose, let's push the wedding to next year."

didn't want to wait till

the kitchen,

"What's

at Vivienne, who was confidently, and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta, let's make her favorite: hand-pulled

Arthur snorted.

this specific skill from

was sure

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

massaged her forehead, already anticipating the

of worrying here, we might as well

more bringing people

it. Why shouldn't

both contestants

was a mystery what lay