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

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

accidentally made too

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

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

stated,

"Are you saying you're

smiled, not contradicting

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

have

quickly interjected, aware 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.

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

you want to compete? Just think if you

on, cut him off, "Enough talk,

first then," Percival said, clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you

If you lose, let's push the

didn't want to

front of the kitchen, Arthur and Percival

"What's the

and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne

Arthur snorted.

learned this specific skill from the

was sure of

and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging

forehead, already anticipating the

of worrying here, we might as well think of how to console

more bringing people home to bully your

who started it.

both contestants presented their

mystery