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

a mix of

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

blame, "It's not the master's fault. I accidentally made too much and

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 cold expression, "What

stated, "They're

darkened, "Are you saying you're better

not contradicting the

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

let's have a

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

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

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

want to compete?

him off,

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

"Funny, I was thinking the same. If you

didn't want to wait till

in front of the kitchen,

"What's

and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves

Arthur snorted.

from the Dorian

was sure

Sasha and Vivienne outside as

her forehead, already

to her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here, we might as well think of how to console

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

lips curled up, "It was your husband who started it.

contestants presented

a mystery