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

Sasha with a mix of hurt

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

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

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

but perhaps, the dishes you make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused,

sincerely stated, "They're not

"Are you saying

smiled, not contradicting the

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

let's have a

aware of her husband's

my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted

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

want to compete? Just think if

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

rules first then," Percival said, clearly 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 to next

didn't want to wait

of the kitchen, Arthur and

"What's the

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

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from the Dorian family, a secret

was sure of his

men entered the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging

massaged her forehead, already

here, we might as well think

"No more bringing people home to bully your

lips curled up, "It was your husband who started it. Why shouldn't

hour later, both contestants presented their covered bowls of

a mystery what lay