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

a mix of hurt and

"Hubby, let me explain. You have to believe

made too much and wanted the master to give it a taste." Arthur's annoyance immediately shifted

my wife likes, and I'll cook it for her. You, mind your own business. Come on, wife and

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 cold

stated, "They're not

face darkened, "Are you saying you're better than

just smiled, not contradicting the

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

have

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

give, "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. He had been

because of all the practice,

eyebrow, "You sure you want

spurred on, cut him off, "Enough

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

If you lose, let's push the wedding

want to wait till

kitchen, Arthur and

asked, "What's

glanced at Vivienne, who was confidently, and a smile across his

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from the Dorian family, a

was sure of his

Sasha and Vivienne outside

massaged her forehead, already

"Mom, instead of worrying here, we might as well think of

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

it. Why

both contestants presented their covered bowls of

mystery what lay