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

let me explain. You have to believe in yourself; your cooking is truly

made too much and

it for her. You,

them 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

sincerely stated,

you saying you're better than

not contradicting

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

have

aware of her husband's

dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand,

the practice, she couldn't bear to tell

sure you want to compete? Just think if

on, cut him off, "Enough talk, let's

if I win, I expect you to agree to

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

didn't want to wait till next

of the kitchen, Arthur and

asked, "What's the

confidently, and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta, let's make her favorite:

Arthur snorted.

learned this specific skill from the Dorian family, a secret

was sure of his

kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside

massaged her forehead, already anticipating the

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

shot her a look, "No more bringing

"It was your husband who started it.

later, both contestants

a mystery what lay