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

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

my wife likes, and I'll cook it for her. You, mind your own business. Come on, wife and daughter, let's go

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

stated, "They're

face darkened, "Are you

smiled, not contradicting the

he was being provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide. Not in front

have a

quickly interjected, aware of her

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

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

want to compete? Just think if

him off, "Enough talk, let's

win, I expect you to

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

to

in front of the kitchen, Arthur and Percival locked

"What's the

and a smile across his face,

Arthur snorted.

from the Dorian

was sure of his

men entered the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges,

forehead, already anticipating the

instead of worrying here, we might as well

look, "No more bringing people home

it. Why shouldn't I defend Mr. Wolf? This

hour later, both contestants presented

a mystery what