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.

wasn't

a mix of

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

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

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

"No offense, but perhaps, the dishes you make aren't exactly

sincerely stated, "They're not

face darkened, "Are you saying you're better

smiled, not

provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide. Not

have

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

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

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

"You sure you want to compete? Just think

off, "Enough

the rules first then," Percival said, clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you to agree to proceed with my wedding to Vivienne next

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

didn't want to wait till next

the kitchen,

"What's

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

Arthur snorted.

learned this specific skill from the Dorian family, a secret

was sure

leaving Sasha and Vivienne

forehead, already anticipating

her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here,

shot her a look, "No more bringing people home to

"It was your husband who started it.

contestants presented their covered

mystery