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.

wasn't

with a mix of hurt and betrayal, "Honey,

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

the master's fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the

and I'll cook it for her. You, mind your own business.

exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning with a cold expression,

stated, "They're not

face darkened, "Are you saying you're

smiled, not contradicting

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

have a

her

Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people

all the practice, she couldn't

want to compete?

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

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

the same. If you lose, let's push the wedding to next

want to

kitchen, Arthur and

"What's

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

Arthur snorted.

skill from the Dorian family, a

sure of

leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the

massaged her forehead, already

to her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here,

"No more bringing people home to bully

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

later, both contestants presented

mystery what