The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

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.

Vivienne: It wasn't on purpose!

Arthur froze, looking at Sasha with a mix of hurt and betrayal, "Honey, you..."

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

fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the master to give it a

her. You, mind your own business.

tracks, "No offense, but perhaps, the dishes you make aren't exactly to

stated, "They're

"Are you saying you're better

smiled, not contradicting

couldn't let it slide. Not in

let's have a

interjected, aware of her

alone to give, "Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand, reassuring

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

"You sure you want to compete? Just think if

off, "Enough talk, let's

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

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

want to wait till

of the kitchen, Arthur

asked, "What's

glanced at Vivienne,

was confidently, and a

smile

across his face, "Since

let's make

Arthur snorted.

from the Dorian family,

was sure

kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as

her forehead, already anticipating

here, we

shot her a look, "No more bringing people

started it. Why

an hour later, both contestants presented their

a mystery what