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

froze, looking at Sasha with a mix of hurt and betrayal,

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

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

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

in 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 a cold expression, "What do

sincerely stated, "They're not

face darkened, "Are you

not contradicting the

it

let's have a

interjected, aware of her

Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people

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

want to compete? Just think if

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

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

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

to wait

the kitchen, Arthur and Percival

asked, "What's the

who was confidently, and a smile across his

Arthur snorted.

had learned this specific skill from the Dorian

sure of

entered the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the

her forehead, already

instead of worrying here, we might

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

started it. Why shouldn't I defend

an hour later, both contestants presented their covered bowls of

mystery