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

with a mix of hurt and betrayal,

"Hubby, let me explain. You have

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

her. You,

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

stated,

you saying you're

just smiled, not contradicting the

provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide.

let's have a

aware of her husband's culinary

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

practice, she couldn't bear to tell

you want to compete? Just think

spurred on, cut him off, "Enough talk, let's do

win, I expect you to agree

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

want to

the kitchen, Arthur and

"What's the

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

Arthur snorted.

skill from the

sure

men entered the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the

her forehead, already anticipating the

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

look, "No more bringing people

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

an hour later, both contestants presented their covered bowls of

a mystery