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

a mix of

"Hubby, let me explain. You have to believe

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

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

stated, "They're

"Are you saying

just smiled, not

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

have a

of her husband's culinary skills-or lack

out, people will say

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

want to compete?

on, cut him off, "Enough talk, let's do

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

If you lose, let's push the

didn't want to wait

front of the kitchen, Arthur and Percival

"What's

at Vivienne, who was confidently, and a smile across his face,

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from the Dorian family,

sure of

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

forehead, already

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

shot her a look, "No more bringing people home to bully

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

contestants presented their covered

mystery what lay