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..."

let me explain. You have to believe in yourself; your cooking is truly a

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

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

their 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,

stated,

face darkened, "Are you saying

just smiled, not contradicting

was being provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide. Not

have

interjected, aware of her husband's

hers 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 her. He had

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

want to compete? Just think

him off, "Enough talk,

stating his intent, if I win, I expect

scoffed, "Funny, I was thinking the same. If you lose,

want to

in front of the kitchen, Arthur and Percival locked

"What's

glanced at Vivienne,

was confidently, and a

smile

across his face, "Since

pasta, let's make her

Arthur snorted.

had learned this specific skill from the Dorian

was sure

leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as

her forehead, already

worrying here, we might as well think

"No more bringing

your husband who started it. Why shouldn't I defend Mr.

both contestants presented

was a mystery what lay