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

froze, looking at Sasha with a mix of hurt

me explain. You have

a crucial moment, Percival took the blame, "It's not the master's fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the master

You, mind your

dishes you make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's

stated, "They're

you saying

not contradicting the

he was being provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide. Not in

let's have a

of her husband's culinary skills-or

my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand, reassuring her. He had

of all the practice, she couldn't

eyebrow, "You sure you want

him off, "Enough

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

scoffed, "Funny, I was thinking the same. If you lose, let's push the wedding

didn't want to wait till

kitchen, Arthur

asked, "What's the

a smile across his

Arthur snorted.

learned this specific skill from the Dorian family,

was sure

Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging

massaged her forehead, already anticipating

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

her a look, "No more bringing

up, "It was your husband who started it. Why

later, both contestants presented their covered

was a mystery what lay