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 on

with a mix of hurt and betrayal, "Honey,

shot Vivienne a glare before soothing Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have

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

for her. You, mind

tracks, "No offense, but perhaps, the dishes you make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste."

sincerely stated, "They're not

darkened, "Are you saying you're

smiled, not

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

have

interjected, aware of her

gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger

all the practice, she

"You sure you want

spurred on, cut him off, "Enough

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

the same. If you lose, let's push the wedding to

to wait till

of the kitchen, Arthur and

"What's the

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

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from the Dorian family, a secret

sure of his

Sasha and Vivienne

massaged her forehead, already anticipating

"Mom, instead of worrying here, we might as well think of

"No more bringing people home to

your husband who started it. Why shouldn't I

later, both contestants

was a mystery what lay