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

froze, looking at Sasha with a mix of

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

a crucial moment, Percival took 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

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,

sincerely stated,

face darkened, "Are you saying you're better

not contradicting the

let it slide. Not in front of his wife

have

of her husband's culinary skills-or

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

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

eyebrow, "You sure you want

cut him off, "Enough talk,

first then," Percival said, clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you to agree to proceed with my

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

to wait till next

of the kitchen, Arthur

"What's

his face, "Since Vivienne loves

Arthur snorted.

from the Dorian family,

sure of

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

massaged her forehead,

calmly returned to her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here, we might

her a look, "No more bringing people home to

husband who started it. Why

contestants presented their covered

was a mystery what lay