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 and betrayal,

have to believe in yourself;

accidentally made too much and wanted the

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

tracks, "No offense, but perhaps, the dishes you make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's

stated, "They're

"Are you

not contradicting

provoked, Arthur couldn't let it

have a

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

praises were hers alone to give, "Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out,

precisely because of all the practice, she couldn't bear to

want to compete? Just think if

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

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

scoffed, "Funny, I was thinking the same. If you lose,

want to

of the kitchen, Arthur and Percival

"What's the

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

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from the Dorian family, a secret

was sure of his

leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging worried

massaged her forehead, already anticipating

of worrying here, we might as well think of how to console

shot her a look, "No more bringing people home to

who started it. Why shouldn't

hour later, both contestants

mystery what lay