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

Sasha with a mix of

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

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

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

remark stopped 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

stated, "They're not

"Are you saying you're better than

just smiled, not contradicting the

it slide.

let's have

interjected, aware of her husband's

"Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand, reassuring her.

all the practice, she couldn't bear

want

cut him off, "Enough talk,

win,

I was thinking the same. If you lose, let's push the wedding to next year."

didn't want to wait till

kitchen,

"What's

smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves

Arthur snorted.

learned this specific skill from the Dorian family,

was sure

men entered the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside

massaged her forehead,

"Mom, instead of worrying here, we might as well think of how to console them

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

who started it. Why shouldn't I defend Mr.

contestants presented their covered bowls

was a mystery what lay