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

with a

have to believe in yourself; your cooking is truly a gift. I was

took the blame, "It's not the master's fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the master to

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

you make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning with a cold expression, "What do

sincerely stated, "They're not

face darkened, "Are you saying

just smiled, not contradicting the

let it slide. Not in front

have

of her husband's culinary skills-or lack

hers alone to give, "Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will

thought, precisely because of all the practice,

an eyebrow, "You sure you want to compete? Just think

cut him off, "Enough talk, let's

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

you

didn't want to wait till next

front of the kitchen, Arthur and

asked, "What's the

glanced at Vivienne, who was confidently, and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta, let's make her favorite: hand-pulled

Arthur snorted.

this specific skill from the Dorian family, a

sure of his

leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as

forehead, already anticipating the

here, we might as well think of how to console

look, "No more bringing

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

both contestants presented their covered bowls

mystery what