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

Sasha with a mix of hurt and betrayal, "Honey,

glare before soothing Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have to believe in yourself; your cooking is truly a gift. I

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

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

exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning with

stated, "They're

you saying

smiled, not

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

let's have a

her husband's culinary skills-or lack

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

because of all the practice,

"You sure you want to compete? Just

off, "Enough talk, let's

win, I expect you to agree

I was thinking the same. If you lose, let's push the wedding

didn't want to

kitchen, Arthur

"What's the

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

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from the

sure of

Sasha and Vivienne

her forehead, already anticipating the

instead of worrying here,

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

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

later, both contestants presented their

a mystery what lay