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 hurt and

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

not the master's fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the master to give it

You, mind your own business. Come on, wife and daughter, let's

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

stated, "They're not

you saying you're better than

smiled, not

couldn't let it slide. Not in front of

let's have a

aware of her husband's culinary

Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out,

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

eyebrow, "You sure you want to compete? Just think if you

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

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

you lose, let's

want to wait

in front of the kitchen,

asked, "What's the

at Vivienne, who was confidently, and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta, let's make her favorite:

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from the Dorian

sure of

leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging worried

forehead, already

returned to her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here, we might as well think of how

look, "No more bringing people

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

both contestants presented their

was a mystery what lay