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

let me explain. You have to believe in yourself; your cooking is truly a gift. I was

moment, Percival took the blame, "It's not the master's fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the master to give it a taste." Arthur's annoyance

her. You, mind your

but perhaps, the dishes you make aren't exactly to

stated, "They're not

you saying you're better

smiled, not contradicting the

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

have

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

out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand, reassuring

all the practice,

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

him off, "Enough

clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you to

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

to wait till

kitchen,

"What's the

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

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from the

was sure

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

massaged her forehead, already anticipating

her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here, we might as

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

started it. Why shouldn't I

hour later, both contestants presented their covered bowls of

a mystery