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 and betrayal, "Honey,

explain. You have to

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

it for her. You, mind your

you make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning with a cold expression, "What do

stated, "They're not

face darkened, "Are you saying you're better than

just smiled, not contradicting the

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

let's have a

her husband's culinary skills-or lack

if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's

practice, she couldn't

raised an eyebrow, "You sure you want to compete?

him off, "Enough

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

"Funny, I was thinking the same. If you lose, let's

to wait till next

in front of the kitchen, Arthur and Percival locked

"What's the

smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta, let's make her favorite: hand-pulled

Arthur snorted.

from

was sure

kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges,

her forehead,

her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here, we might as well

a look, "No more bringing people

up, "It was your husband who started it. Why shouldn't I

an hour later, both contestants presented their

a mystery