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

froze, looking at Sasha with a mix of hurt and betrayal, "Honey,

explain. You have to believe in yourself;

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

know what my wife likes, and I'll cook it for her. You, mind your own business.

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

stated, "They're not

you saying you're better

not contradicting

was being provoked, Arthur couldn't let it

have a

interjected, aware of her husband's

alone to give, "Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted

precisely because of all the practice, she

you want to compete?

on, cut him off, "Enough

Percival said, clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you

If you lose, let's push the

to wait till

the kitchen, Arthur

"What's

a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta, let's make

Arthur snorted.

skill from the Dorian family,

was sure of his

leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging

massaged her forehead,

instead of worrying here,

more bringing people

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

contestants presented their

mystery what