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

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

master's fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the master to

You, mind your own business. Come on, wife and daughter,

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

stated,

face darkened, "Are you

just smiled, not contradicting

let it slide. Not

have

quickly interjected, aware of her husband's culinary skills-or

Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out,

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

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

him off, "Enough talk, let's do

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

same. If you lose,

want to

the kitchen, Arthur and

"What's

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

Arthur snorted.

skill from the Dorian family, a

was sure of

and Vivienne outside as the

forehead, already anticipating the

"Mom, instead of worrying here, we might as well think of how to console them

look, "No more bringing people home to

"It was your husband who started it. Why

both contestants presented their

mystery