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

with a

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

the blame, "It's not the master's fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the master to give it a taste." Arthur's annoyance

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

casual 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 with a

sincerely stated, "They're not

you saying you're

not contradicting

couldn't let it slide. Not in front of his

let's have

her

"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

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

sure you want to compete? Just

him off, "Enough talk,

clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you

you lose, let's push the wedding to next year." Vivienne:

want to wait till

in front of the kitchen, Arthur and Percival

"What's

was confidently, and a smile across his face,

Arthur snorted.

from the

sure

entered the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne

her forehead,

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

her a look, "No more bringing

who started it. Why shouldn't I defend Mr. Wolf? This

later, both contestants presented their

mystery what lay