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

at Sasha with a mix of hurt

You have to believe in yourself; your cooking is truly a gift. I

fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the master to give it a taste." Arthur's annoyance immediately

You, mind

perhaps, the dishes you make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning

stated, "They're not

darkened, "Are you saying

smiled, not contradicting the

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

let's have

interjected, aware of her husband's

my apprentice; if word gets out, people

all the practice, she couldn't bear to tell him the

sure you want to compete? Just think if

cut him off, "Enough talk,

intent, if I win, I expect you to agree to proceed with my

If you lose, let's push the

to wait

front of the kitchen, Arthur and Percival

asked, "What's

Vivienne, who was confidently, and a smile across his face,

Arthur snorted.

learned this specific skill from

was sure of his

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

forehead, already anticipating the

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

a look, "No more bringing people home

"It was your husband who started it. Why shouldn't I defend Mr. Wolf? This

both contestants presented their

was a mystery what lay