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

at Sasha with a mix of hurt and

Vivienne a glare before soothing Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have to believe in yourself; your

not the master's fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the master

know what my wife likes, and I'll cook it for her. You, mind your

aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning with a cold expression, "What

sincerely stated, "They're

you saying you're

just smiled, not

couldn't let it slide. Not in

let's have a

aware of her

give, "Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say

practice, she

sure you want to compete? Just think if you

him off, "Enough talk, let's

Percival said, clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you to agree to

I was thinking the same. If you

want to wait till

the kitchen, Arthur and Percival

"What's the

was confidently, and a smile across his face,

Arthur snorted.

had learned this specific skill from the Dorian

sure of

the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the

forehead, already anticipating

of worrying here, we might as well think of

a look, "No more bringing people home to bully

your husband who started it. Why

hour later, both contestants presented their covered bowls of

was a mystery what lay