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 on

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

me explain. You have to

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

wife likes, and I'll cook it for her. You, mind your own business. Come on, wife and daughter,

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 you

stated,

darkened, "Are you saying you're better than

smiled, not contradicting the

couldn't let it slide. Not in front of

have

quickly interjected, aware of her husband's culinary

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

thought, precisely because of all the practice, she

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

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

if I win, I expect you to agree

you lose, let's push the

to

of the kitchen, Arthur and

"What's the

at Vivienne, who was confidently, and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta, let's

Arthur snorted.

this specific skill from the Dorian family,

was sure of his

Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges,

her forehead, already

calmly returned to her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here, we might as well think of how to console

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

up, "It was your husband who started it.

an hour later, both contestants

was a mystery what