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

at Sasha with a mix of hurt and betrayal,

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

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

cook it for her. You, mind your own business. Come on, wife and daughter, let's

exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning with a cold expression, "What

sincerely stated, "They're

you saying you're better than

smiled, not contradicting the

it

have a

of her

if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand, reassuring her.

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

you want to compete? Just think

off, "Enough talk, let's

stating his intent, if I win, I expect you to agree

scoffed, "Funny, I was thinking the same. If you lose, let's push the wedding to next year." Vivienne:

didn't want to

in front of the kitchen,

asked, "What's the

his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta,

Arthur snorted.

learned this specific skill from the

was sure of

and Vivienne outside as the judges,

forehead,

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

shot her a look, "No more bringing

husband who started it. Why

both contestants presented their covered

was a mystery