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

let me explain. You have to believe in yourself;

I accidentally made too much and wanted the master to give it a taste." Arthur's annoyance immediately shifted

for her. You, mind your own business. Come on, wife and daughter, let's go

aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning with

stated, "They're

darkened, "Are you saying you're

just smiled, not contradicting the

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

let's have

her

alone to give, "Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will

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

you want to compete?

off, "Enough

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

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

to wait

in front of the kitchen, Arthur

asked, "What's the

confidently, and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta,

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from

sure of

leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges,

her forehead, already anticipating the

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

more bringing people home to bully

started it.

both contestants

mystery what