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

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

made too much and wanted

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

aren't exactly to the master's and

sincerely stated, "They're

face darkened, "Are you saying you're

smiled, not contradicting the

was being provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide. Not in front

have a

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

my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand, reassuring her. He had

because of all the practice, she couldn't

you want to compete? Just think

cut him 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

you lose, let's push the wedding to next year." Vivienne:

want to

the kitchen, Arthur and Percival locked

"What's

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

Arthur snorted.

learned this specific skill from the Dorian family, a secret

was sure

men entered the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside

massaged her forehead, already anticipating the

worrying here,

more bringing people

who started it. Why shouldn't

contestants presented their covered

mystery what lay