One billion???

As soon as Lily left, Maria expression turned cold. She gently pushed Charles, wanting to get out of his embrace, but was firmly restrained by his strong arms.

She sighed helplessly, "She's already gone. There's no need to pretend anymore."

"Pretend?"

Charles clenched his teeth and forcefully lifted Maria up, causing her to sit on his lap amidst her surprise.

He leaned in and bit Maria's nose as a form of punishment.

"I'm being serious, and yet you think I'm just pretending?"

"Ouch..."

Maria winced in pain and glared at him. "Hey, why did you bite me?"

"Biting you is nothing compared to what I could do!"

Charles' deep eyes radiated a dangerous and wild gaze as he stared at Maria like a beast stalking its prey.

"If it weren't for caring about your feelings, I would have punished you on the spot, Ria. You are so ungrateful."

"Um..."

Blushing from his words, Maria lightly bit her lower lip and looked at him at a loss.

Even though she had never been in a romantic relationship before, she