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 betrayal,

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

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 immediately shifted towards

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

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

sincerely stated, "They're

you

smiled, not contradicting the

it

let's have

her husband's

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

the practice, she couldn't bear to tell

an eyebrow, "You sure you want

him off, "Enough talk, let's

his intent, if I win, I expect you to agree to proceed with my wedding to Vivienne next

thinking the same. If you lose,

want to

of the kitchen, Arthur and

asked, "What's

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

Arthur snorted.

skill from the

sure

Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging worried

forehead, already

book, "Mom, instead of worrying here, we

more bringing people home to bully

started it. Why shouldn't

later, both contestants

a mystery what lay