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

with a

Vivienne a glare before soothing Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have to

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

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

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

stated,

face darkened, "Are you

not contradicting

Arthur couldn't let it slide.

let's have a

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

if word gets out, people will say

precisely because of all the practice, she couldn't

an eyebrow, "You sure you want

him off, "Enough

the rules first then," Percival said, clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you to agree to proceed with my

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

want to

the kitchen, Arthur

asked, "What's the

his face,

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from the

was sure

leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging worried

her forehead,

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

her a look, "No more bringing

who started it. Why shouldn't I defend Mr. Wolf? This is poetic

an hour later, both contestants presented their covered

a mystery what