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

Sasha with a

let me explain. You have to believe in yourself; your cooking is truly

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

her. You, mind your own business. Come on, wife and daughter, let's go

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

sincerely stated, "They're

face darkened, "Are you saying you're better than

smiled, not contradicting

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

have a

interjected, aware of her husband's

hers 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 Sasha's hand, reassuring her. He

practice, she couldn't bear to tell him

raised an eyebrow, "You sure you want to compete? Just think if you

him off, "Enough talk, let's

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

same. If you lose, let's push the

want to wait till

of the kitchen, Arthur

"What's the

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

Arthur snorted.

this specific skill from the Dorian

sure of his

and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging worried

her forehead, already anticipating

instead of worrying here, we might as well

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

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

hour later, both contestants presented their covered

a mystery what