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

at Sasha with a mix of hurt

glare before soothing Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have

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

it for her. You, mind your own business. Come on,

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 cold

sincerely stated,

"Are you

just smiled, not contradicting the

Arthur couldn't let it slide. Not in

let's have

aware of her

my apprentice; if word gets out, people

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

eyebrow, "You sure you want to compete? Just

cut him off,

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

you lose, let's push the wedding

didn't want to

front of the kitchen, Arthur

asked, "What's

who was confidently, and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne

Arthur snorted.

had learned this specific skill from the

was sure of

the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging worried

massaged her forehead, already

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

look, "No more bringing people home to bully

husband who started it. Why

an hour later, both contestants presented their covered bowls

was a mystery