Sweetheart, call me darling.

With that, she promptly hung up the phone.

Interactions with Luna never ended well, and it was convenient to use Charles as a shield. A free shield is always the best!

"Heehee, here you go."

Maria returned the phone to Charles with a chuckle. She was beginning to find that Charles could be quite useful in certain situations.

Charles raised an eyebrow, slipping the phone into his pocket.

He glanced up, his deep gaze meeting Maria’s eyes, which were curved like crescent moons from her smile.

"Ria, after what you've said, it's mandatory you spend tonight at my place."

Maria pouted but didn't refuse, following him to the elevator.

Just as she pressed the elevator button, a "ding" signaled the arrival of the lift. The doors opened to reveal a slightly plump figure.

Maria recognized the face and her heart sank. She suddenly felt guilty, as if her lie had been caught.

"Hehe..."

Luna waved at them, "What a coincidence."

Charles merely nodded, keeping silent, and pulled Maria into the elevator