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

looking at Sasha with a mix of hurt

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

the master's fault. I accidentally made too

her. You, mind your own

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

sincerely stated, "They're

darkened, "Are you saying you're better than

just smiled, not contradicting

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

let's have

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

out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand, reassuring her.

because of all the practice, she couldn't bear

you want

spurred on, cut him off,

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

you lose,

want to wait till next

the kitchen, Arthur and Percival

asked, "What's the

across his face,

Arthur snorted.

skill from the

was sure

Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging

massaged her forehead, already anticipating the

of worrying here, we

"No more bringing people home to bully your

it. Why shouldn't

hour later, both contestants presented their covered bowls

was a mystery what