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

Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have to believe in yourself; your cooking is

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

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

make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur

sincerely stated, "They're

you saying you're better than

not

being provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide.

let's have

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

my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand, reassuring her. He had

all the practice, she couldn't bear

you want to

on, cut him off,

win, I expect

If you lose,

to wait till

kitchen, Arthur

"What's

a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta, let's make

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from the Dorian family,

was sure of his

and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging

massaged her forehead, already anticipating

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

look, "No more bringing people home to

curled up, "It was your husband who started it. Why shouldn't I defend

both contestants

was a mystery what