A couple of months after that pivotal moment, the contract between Seto Kaiba and Kisara was terminated with the consent of both parties. They, however, engaged in a more conventional kind of romantic relationship. Despite Kaiba's reserved nature, his affection for Kisara was undeniable, though he often hid it behind his stern demeanor. Kisara, who had already confessed her feelings towards the young CEO, chose to wait patiently for Kaiba to convey what was in his heart too. Though she was aching to find out more about her connection with the beast she had recently discovered, she decided that it was best to let that rest for now, until both she and Kaiba were ready to face it. Even if she wanted to commence such research, it demanded profound introspection which in turn demanded time, and time was something she didn't have.

Soon after the news of Seto Kaiba and Kisara hit the press, the popularity of both Kisara and KaibaCorp skyrocketed. Interviews, video filming, concerts, charity parties… they all hit Kisara like a wild stampede. Being KaibaCorp's endorser brought her new fans among duelists too and the mass production of duel disks, dueling cards, and other dueling gear increased significantly because of her. Seto Kaiba had been busy more than ever. Luckily, Mokuba's role in KaibaCorp's daily affairs grew too, and it was he who completely took over the PR management so that his brother could operate inside the company. All in all, the trio led very busy lives, and spending time together was sort of a luxury.

One evening, Seto Kaiba sat in his sleek office, watching a video of Kisara's newest song on his computer screen. Her performance was mesmerizing, her voice enchanting, but Kaiba's eyes narrowed at her revealing costume. He grudgingly muttered under his breath.

"This costume reveals too much," Kaiba grumbled, his tone laced with irritation.

Mokuba, sitting across from him, chuckled. "Seto, it's just her job. She's a performer. It's all part of the act."

Kaiba shot his brother a glare. "I'm also doing my job, but you don't see me prancing around in my boxers."

Mokuba laughed even harder. "I think a lot of people would pay to see that, actually."

Before Kaiba could retort, the door to his office opened, and Kisara stepped in, her presence instantly lightening the room. She wore a casual yet stylish outfit, her eyes bright with excitement.

"What are you two arguing about now?" Kisara asked with a playful smile.

Kaiba quickly minimized the video, but not before Kisara caught a glimpse of it. She raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes.

"Oh, I see. You're watching my new video," she said, walking over to Kaiba's desk. "And judging by the look on your face, you have something to say about my outfit?"

Kaiba cleared his throat. "It's... a bit much, don't you think?"

Kisara laughed, leaning on his desk. "Seto, it's show business. Besides, I thought you liked it when I wore daring outfits."

Mokuba snickered, and Kaiba shot him another glare before turning back to Kisara. "It's not about what I like. It's about... professionalism."

Kisara's eyes sparkled with mischief. "So, you'd prefer if I wore a business suit on stage?"

Kaiba opened his mouth to respond, but Mokuba cut in. "Oh, come on, Seto. Admit it. You're just jealous."

Kaiba's cheeks reddened slightly, a rare sight. "I'm not jealous," he muttered, but his tone betrayed him.

Kisara moved closer, her voice softening. "Seto, you don't have to be jealous. You know you're the only one for me."

Kaiba looked into her eyes, his stern facade slipping for a moment. "I know. I just... worry."

Kisara's expression softened. "You don't have to worry so much. I can take care of myself."

Kaiba sighed, frustration mingling with concern. "After the incident with that prick Alex, I don't want to take any risks. And speaking of that, didn't I tell you to have your bodyguards with you at all times? What are you thinking, wandering around alone?"

Kisara groaned, rolling her eyes playfully. "Seto, relax. I've always been annoyed by constant supervision. It's fine. I needed some space."

"Space?" Kaiba's voice held a sharp edge. "Space is what got you kidnapped by a lunatic!"

She reached up and touched his cheek, her gaze steady. "Trust me, Seto. I can handle myself."

Kaiba's shoulders relaxed slightly, and he let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Just promise me you'll be more careful."

Kisara took his hand and squeezed it. "I promise. Besides, I always have you watching over me."

Mokuba stood up, sensing it was time to give them some privacy. "I'll leave you two lovebirds alone," he said with a grin, heading for the door.

As the door closed behind Mokuba, Kaiba pulled Kisara into his arms, holding her close. "I'm just not used to feeling this way," he murmured against her hair.

Kisara leaned into his embrace, her heart swelling with love. "I know. And I wouldn't change a thing about you, Seto Kaiba."

Hearing his full name from Kisara triggered something deep within him. Without a word, he pulled her close and kissed her passionately, his desire clear. Kisara responded, kissing him back with equal intensity, but after a moment, she gently broke away.

"I have to go to an interview," she said, her voice a mix of regret and urgency.

Kaiba's eyes flashed with irritation, though he kept his tone controlled. "It seems you always have something important."

Kisara sighed, stepping back slightly. "You know how crucial this is for my career. We've talked about this."

Kaiba clenched his jaw, his frustration evident in his tense posture. "Fine. Go. As a matter of fact, I also have a meeting in fifteen minutes."

"In fifteen?" She looked at her watch, biting her lip. "Well, I suppose I can be late for a bit for the interview," she murmured in his ear, "What can you do in fifteen minutes, Mr Kaiba?"

Instead of giving an answer, Kaiba just let out a low growl full of desire, heaved her off her feet, and threw her on the sofa, almost crushing her body with his.

When they finally pulled apart, both breathless and flushed, Kaiba looked into her eyes, his expression a mix of satisfaction and longing. "You always know how to distract me," he murmured, his voice husky.

Kisara smiled, her fingers tracing his jawline. "And you always know how to make me stay," she replied softly.

Reluctantly, Kaiba helped her to her feet, his hands lingering on her waist. "Go," he said, his tone softer than usual. "We'll have more time later."

Kisara nodded, giving him one last lingering kiss before she straightened her clothes and headed for the door. "I'll see you tonight," she promised, her eyes full of warmth and love.

As she left, Kaiba watched her go, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Johnson Black sat behind his imposing desk, fingers steepled as he looked across at his daughter, Joanne, a young and beautiful dark-haired lady. His expression was stern, his eyes cold and calculating.

"Joanne," he began, his voice a low growl. "KaibaCorp's success is becoming a problem. Our attempts to undermine them have failed, and I'm running out of patience."

Joanne leaned casually against the doorframe and gave a small, confident smile. "Don't worry, Father. I've got a plan."

Johnson raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what exactly is this plan of yours?"

"I'll infiltrate KaibaCorp," she replied smoothly. "I'll get close to Seto Kaiba, find out his secrets, and figure out how to bring him down from the inside."

Johnson leaned back in his chair, considering her words. "You think you can get close to Kaiba? He's not exactly known for his warmth and friendliness."

Joanne's smile widened. "Men like Kaiba are always intrigued by a challenge. I'll propose a business deal he cannot decline, make him trust me, and then I'll find a way to get the Blue-Eyes White Dragon card."

Johnson's eyes gleamed with approval. "And once we have that card, we'll control the most powerful asset in the game. KaibaCorp will crumble without it."

"Exactly," Joanne said, her tone confident. "I'll make sure of it."

"Good," Johnson said, his voice heavy with satisfaction. "Don't fail me, Joanne. This is our best chance. And remember, Joanne, we're playing a dangerous game. Don't underestimate Seto Kaiba. He's a formidable opponent."

Joanne chuckled and approached a mirror on the wall. "Oh, Daddy, don't you worry," she waved her hand and produced a red lipstick from her pocket. "You are forgetting one thing."

"And what is that?" Johnson asked.

As she carefully put a coat of lipstick on her lips, she smiled seductively in her own reflection.

"He is still just a man."