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Seto leaned back in his leather chair, fingertips pressed together as he gazed over the city. He was deep in thought, his mind lingering not on business matters but on something far more thrilling.
Seto’s musings were interrupted by the sharp, indignant voice of his assistant, who announced with a hint of resignation, “Detective Inspector Joseph Wheeler is here to see you… again.”
“Send him in,” Kaiba replied smoothly, folding his hands in his lap as he prepared to toy with his favorite Inspector once again.
The doors swung open, and Joey strode in, a bundle of barely restrained indignation wrapped in a rumpled trench coat. Snowflakes still clung to his blond hair, and a slight pink tint on his nose betrayed the time spent braving the December wind outside. His eyes scanning every corner of Seto Kaiba's immaculate office for the hundredth time. It was a routine by now—a routine that had been going on for almost three year.
Kaiba’s office was predictably spotless, all sleek lines and cold glass surfaces that somehow managed to reflect Kaiba’s personality with a ridiculous level of accuracy. The man himself sat behind his desk, barely looking up from his tablet as Joey shifted in his chair and tried to focus on something other than the irritation bubbling up inside him.
“Mr.Kaiba,” he greeted curtly, his accent thick as ever, eyes narrowed with suspicion.
“Inspector Wheeler.” Seto’s tone was mocking, his smirk never wavering. “Back so soon? If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were starting to miss me.”
Joey ignored the bait, gritting his teeth. “It is Detective Inspector, Mr.Kaiba and this isn’t a social call. I’m here to talk about the Nakamura Sapphire heist 3 weeks ago. Big-ticket rubies, sapphires, and emeralds lifted right under the noses of security. Remind you of anyone?”
Seto leaned forward, steepling his fingers, a glint of amusement and boredom dancing in his eyes. "I suppose it would remind me of you, wouldn’t it? After all, you’re the one in charge of criminal investigations, aren’t you?"
"Yeah, and that’s why I’m investigating a criminal thief right now," Joey shot back, scowling.
“Inspector,” Seto drawled, his voice dripping with mockery, “you’ve had Blue Eyes on the brain for, what, three years now? Isn’t it about time you stopped accusing me of being a thief?”
“Detective Inspector, Mr. Kaiba and yes, I’m done,” Joey snapped, standing a little straighter, “Done with waiting for you to cooperate, that is. So why don’t you make this easy for once and admit what we both already know?”
Joey scowl depend, but Kaiba’s eyes never left his face, observing the slight twitch of his jaw, the fire in his eyes. He would’ve laughed at how seriously Joey was taking this, were it not for the fact that, despite his rough edges, Joey was far from stupid. In fact, Joey’s instincts had come surprisingly close to nailing him several times over the years—yet never quite close enough.
Kaiba arched an eyebrow, as though he hadn’t heard the same accusation dozens of times before. “And what’s that, Inspector?”
“That you’re the Blue Eyes, Kaiba,” Joey declared, slapping a folder down on the desk for emphasis. It was mostly for show—he didn’t have nearly enough evidence to make a case. But he wasn’t about to back down just because Kaiba hadn’t made a mistake. Yet.
“Blue Eyes,” Kaiba repeated, his mouth twitching into an amused smile. He leaned back in his chair, his posture the perfect picture of self-assurance. “Still a very original name for a jewel thief, I must admit. Almost as ridiculous as the idea that I would waste my time stealing gemstones.”
Joey narrowed his eyes. “But it is convenient, don’t ya think? A thief who leaves a blue-eyed dragon card at every scene, right when the CEO of KaibaCorp happens to have a thing for dragons? Sounds like a pretty obvious connection to me.”
Kaiba raised his eyebrows, his gaze piercing but still managing to look bored. “So your entire case rests on the fact that I like dragons? I didn’t realize liking mythical creatures made one a criminal. I suppose I’ll have to write to the police commissioner and request a more competent investigator.”
Joey plowed on, ignoring Kaiba’s smug look. “What I don’t get is how you keep winding up at every high-profile event with a priceless jewellery collection… just before they get hit.”
Seto’s expression didn’t flicker as he responded with his trademark deadpan. “It’s almost as if high-profile events are exactly the type of places billionaires tend to frequent. Do you suspect me of these thefts because of my wealth, Wheeler? Or is it something else?”
Joey sputtered slightly, caught off guard, before settling back into his indignation. “Oh, please, don’t play innocent with me. You and your—whatever it is you think you’re hiding,” he gestured vaguely, as if trying to encompass Kaiba’s entire intimidating presence, “it’s highly suspicious. Admit it.”
Kaiba suppressed a laugh, tapping his fingers thoughtfully against his desk. He wasn’t about to admit to anything. But he’d found himself anticipating these encounters more than he’d expected, like the opening of a game where every move had to be perfectly executed. And watching Joey try to piece together what he was sure was an airtight case against him was nothing short of delightful.
“Inspector,” Kaiba began, his tone calm and measured.
“Detective Inspector,” Joey cut in sharply, his voice firm.
Kaiba exhaled a faint sigh, reclining slightly in his chair as though this entire exchange was beneath him. “If that title helps you sleep at night,” he said dryly, “then by all means. But let me assure you, I have no interest in petty theft.”
“Petty?” Joey nearly yelped, his eyes flashing with frustration. “Three million in jewels is ‘petty’ to you? Some people would consider that a pretty big deal.”
“I suppose we’re just used to different scales of wealth,” Seto replied smoothly. “I don’t know what else I can tell you, Wheeler. I have nothing to do with these thefts. Unless, of course,” he added, his voice softening to a purr, “you’re here for a less professional reason.”
He ignored the implication, leaned forward, lowering his voice as though he were revealing some deep secret. “You get off on it, don’t ya? The chase, the risk. All that stuff regular people would never even think of tryin’.”
Kaiba’s smile widened, just a fraction. “Now you’re diagnosing my motives as well, Inspector Wheeler? I should be flattered. You seem very invested in my psychological state.”
“Detective Inspector,” Joey clenched his fists. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m just doin’ my job.” He had come prepared with a new strategy this time, but with Kaiba’s maddeningly calm exterior, it was hard to get the upper hand. He could feel the usual frustration rising, the frustration that always seemed to derail him. There was something about Kaiba that turned him inside out, made it impossible to keep his composure.
“Sure,” Kaiba drawled. “You just happen to be very… diligent.”
“Someone has to be,” Joey shot back, crossing his arms. “’Cause if you’re not the guy, who is? We both know you’ve got the money and the access to get away with it.” He paused, eyeing Kaiba with what he hoped was his most intimidating look. “What I wanna know is, where were you the night of the Nakamura Sapphire heist?”
Kaiba feigned a thoughtful expression, his gaze drifting up to the ceiling. “Hmm. Let’s see. That would have been a weekend? Yes, I believe I was attending a board meeting in Osaka. Though I’m sure your detective skills are sharp enough to verify that, right?”
Joey grit his teeth. Kaiba always had an alibi—a rock-solid, unimpeachable alibi, as if he’d planned for every possible angle. “Fine,” he muttered, pulling out a notepad, more to save face than anything else. “Who’d you meet with?”
Kaiba leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest and smirking. “Does it really matter? I could give you a dozen names, and you’d still come back here tomorrow with the same ridiculous theories.. Or maybe, perhaps Inspector, did you fell in love with me?”
“Wha- that is! Ridiculous!” Joey’s cheeks flushed, and he cleared his throat, looking away. “Just—don’t think I’m done with this. I’m keeping an eye on you, Kaiba. One of these days, you’re gonna slip up, and when you do, I’ll be there to take you down.”
With that, Joey turned on his heel and stormed out, leaving Kaiba with the faintest hint of a smile. The game was only getting started.
As the door closed, Kaiba stood and strolled over to the window, glancing down at the tiny, determined figure exiting the building.
He was mildly impressed that Joey still hadn’t given up, though impressed was probably too generous a word. Perhaps endlessly amused captured it better. The man’s obsessive determination was both charming and slightly absurd; Kaiba couldn’t remember a time when he’d seen anyone work so hard just to be told he is wrong.
Of course, Joey didn’t know how close he was to being right.
In the distance, the tall spires of the Museum of Domino shimmered in the afternoon light. That particular building was his destination for Friday evening, though no one would know it. The museum’s own security staff had taken every precaution to keep their precious new exhibit under lock and key.
The Spring Blossom Sapphire.
He allowed himself the smallest flicker of a smile as he thought of it. The sapphire was exquisite, a dazzling blue that caught light like sunlight under water. It was currently set in a delicate, floral-patterned necklace, custom-made to be the centerpiece of the museum’s upcoming gala for Domino’s elite. The event would be a circus of society's finest, gathered together to sip champagne and admire the museum’s treasures—and Seto Kaiba intended to claim the brightest one of them all.
A knock sounded on his door, breaking his thoughts. Without waiting for his permission, Roland, his ever-loyal security chief, stepped inside.
“Mr. Kaiba,” Roland began, his face serious as ever. “About the upcoming event plans. Are you certain you want to attend the museum gala on Friday? Given the recent… thefts, I heard security will be significantly heightened. They may see it as a potential target for Blue Eyes.”
Kaiba arched an eyebrow, enjoying Roland’s discomfort. Few people ever dared to question his decisions—Inspector Wheeler was one of the rare exceptions—but even his personal guard didn’t suspect the truth. It was almost too perfect.
“That’s exactly why I want to be there, Roland,” Kaiba replied, his tone controlled, with just a hint of amusement. “A thief like Blue Eyes won’t be able to resist the chance to add such a rare sapphire to his collection. And I’d very much like to witness his antics firsthand.”
Roland nodded, slightly puzzled, but didn’t dare press further. “Very well, sir. Your invitation has been arranged.”
“Perfect.” Kaiba allowed himself another small smile, imagining Wheeler‘s frustration as the inspector no doubt scoured the event for any sign of Blue Eyes, while the thief would be hiding in plain sight.
The plan had formed almost effortlessly in his mind. He would make an appearance at the gala, chat with a few society figures, even let himself be spotted by Joey. Perhaps, if he was feeling generous, he’d even throw Joey a bone—make some suspicious moves just to rile him up. And then, in a single, perfectly timed moment, the Spring Blossom Sapphire would vanish.
Kaiba knew he didn’t need the jewels; he had enough wealth to buy entire vaults of them if he wanted. But the thrill of taking something so valuable under the noses of so-called professionals was worth more to him than the gems themselves. And as for Joey, well, Kaiba had come to relish their strange dance of accusation and denial. It was almost like a game, one that never failed to entertain him.
“Will you be needing any extra precautions, sir?” Roland asked, interrupting his thoughts.
Kaiba shook his head. “None that you need to worry about. Just make sure my car is ready to leave on time tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir.” Roland bowed, but not before shooting a curious look in Kaiba’s direction. He likely attributed Kaiba’s sudden interest in the gala to the kind of wealth-induced boredom only someone like him could experience—and, of course, to the added satisfaction that Blue Eyes trademark was a dragon.
As the door closed, Kaiba allowed himself a rare moment of indulgence, letting his mind drift back to Joey’s flushed, determined expression. The man’s foolish persistence amused him, true, but there was something else that had started tugging at the edge of his mind. Joey had a way of looking at him—half defiant, half eager—that made Kaiba’s pulse quicken in spite of himself. He wouldn’t call it attraction, exactly. But there was an energy between them, one that made their constant sparring feel just a little too exhilarating.
And if he managed to steal the sapphire right under Joey’s nose? Well, that would be the sweetest victory of all. After all, he thought with a wry smirk, what was the thrill of a heist without someone to chase you?
Joey stepped out of the KaibaCorp building, his jaw set, his hands shoved deep into his pockets as he headed down the sidewalk. The brisk evening air helped cool his nerves, but his mind was buzzing with the memory of Kaiba’s smug, too-confident expression. Seto Kaiba. The man had the attitude of a brick wall and the subtlety of a cat who’d just swallowed a canary. Joey was sure that Kaiba was hiding something big—something that went far beyond his corporation and high society events.
Behind Kaiba’s frosty, perfectly controlled exterior, Joey sensed something else—a pulse-pounding, thrill-seeking streak that matched exactly what he’d expect from a guy like Blue Eyes. And although he couldn’t prove it, he had to admit it was difficult to ignore Kaiba’s intense blue gaze or the way he always seemed one step ahead. That cocky, self-assured smirk just had a way of sticking in Joey’s head, and it drove him up a wall.
Joey shook himself. This was business, after all. Kaiba’s piercing blue eyes, his annoyingly perfect suit, that stupidly refined way he spoke—none of it mattered. He was just another criminal waiting to slip up. And Joey Wheeler was the guy who’d be waiting right there when he did.
Before his thoughts could spiral, a loud buzz from his pocket snapped him back to the present. He fished out his phone and glanced at the screen. Chief Inspector Takahashi. He sighed, already bracing himself for what was coming, and answered.
“Wheeler here,” he said gruffly, doing his best to mask his irritation.
“Wheeler, where the hell are you?” barked the commissioner on the other end. “I thought you’d be back by now.”
Joey blinked, caught off guard. “I was just—uh, followin’ a lead.”
“Once again, Wheeler,” Takahashi growled, “don’t let your personal vendetta against Mr. Kaiba cloud your judgment. Get your ass back to the department.”
“Chief, this isn’t a personal vendetta,” Joey started, already feeling his temper flare. “I’m telling you, Kaiba’s—”
“I don’t care!” Takahashi cut him off sharply. “You’ve got bigger fish to fry. Have you heard about the museum gala this Friday? High society event, some ultra-rare piece on display—the Spring Blossom Sapphire.”
Joey’s pulse quickened at the name. He’d heard whispers around Domino City but hadn’t gotten the full details. “Sapphire, huh?” he muttered, rubbing his chin. It was exactly the kind of target Blue Eyes would go after: rare, priceless, and showcased in front of a room full of the city’s elite.
“Glad you’re catching up,” Takahashi grumbled. “Commissioner Nakamura wants you back in the office now. We’re coordinating with museum security, and I want you leading the charge. Blue Eyes hasn’t struck in weeks, and I’ll be damned if that gem disappears on our watch. Do. Your. Job.”
Joey rolled his eyes but bit back a retort. If he wasn’t doing his job, they’d have canned him ages ago instead of promoting him to Detective Inspector. “Yeah, yeah, I got it, Chief. I’m on it.”
Hanging up, he slid his phone back into his pocket, his mind already racing through plans and countermeasures.
As he walked, he couldn’t help but imagine Kaiba, mingling with the city’s finest, sipping champagne and flashing that insufferable smirk every time he crossed Joey’s path. It wouldn’t be the first time the guy attended one of these events. Kaiba was a staple at high society gatherings, always looming just out of reach with a glass in hand, amused and aloof. The thought made Joey’s blood boil. It would be just like Kaiba to attend, only to lord his innocence over him.
But if Blue Eyes really did show up and Kaiba happened to be there… well, this time, Joey wouldn’t let him slip away.
This friday night, he promised himself, would be different. Blue Eyes was going to slip up eventually. And when he did, Joey would finally be able to put an end to this wild goose chase. He was a cop, dammit, not some lovesick fool hanging on Kaiba’s every move.
But as he made his way back to the precinct, he couldn’t quite ignore the hint of excitement thrumming in his veins.
The museum gala was a glittering spectacle, filled with Domino City’s elite in fine evening wear, sipping champagne and murmuring about priceless artifacts and local gossip. But Joey, dressed in a stiff black tux that felt far too formal, was oblivious to the charms of high society. His attention was laser-focused on the sparkling display in the center of the exhibit hall: the Spring Blossom Sapphire. The gemstone, a brilliant blue set in a delicately carved necklace, glimmered in the case like a siren’s call to any would-be thief.
And if there was one thief Joey was dead certain would answer that call, it was Blue Eyes.
Joey had coordinated every last detail of security with the commissioner, obsessively assigning officers to every corner of the museum, arranging undercover agents among the guests, and blocking every potential exit route. Tonight, he’d catch Blue Eyes in the act, and he was convinced that Kaiba, the smug billionaire with his too-perfect alibis, wouldn’t be able to resist showing up.
And sure enough, there he was, looking as infuriatingly composed as ever. Seto Kaiba was effortlessly holding court, dressed in a perfectly tailored navy blue suit, a glass of champagne in hand. He moved through the crowd with a practiced ease, the smirk on his face widening just slightly every time his gaze met Joey’s from across the room. Joey bristled every time he caught Kaiba looking his way, but he forced himself to keep his cool. He was here to do his job, not to get riled up by some smug jerk with an ego the size of the KaibaCorp tower.
But Kaiba didn’t seem content to leave him alone. A few minutes after Joey stationed himself near the sapphire display to check in with his subordinates, Kaiba strolled over, sipping his drink with an amused glint in his eye.
"Inspector Wheeler," he said smoothly, his voice low enough to be both polite and infuriatingly private. "Here to admire the jewellry? I didn’t think you had a taste for the finer things."
Joey rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as he took in the sight of Kaiba’s too-perfect suit and his smug expression. "Detective Inspector, Mr.Kaiba. And I am here for a job, You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would ya?"
“Huh? I am unsure but let me guess, if you are here it is about Blue Eyes,” Kaiba’s smirk widened. "But why, Inspector, are you implying that I’m somehow connected to your… mysterious criminal? I thought we’d already been through this this Monday."
Joey’s gaze narrowed. "I’m sayin’ you got a suspicious habit of showing up around valuable jewels and then pretending you don’t know nothin’ about the crimes that happen right under your nose. Seems like the kinda thing you’d enjoy, don’t ya think?"
Kaiba leaned closer, his eyes glittering with amusement. "The only thing I’m enjoying tonight, Inspector Wheeler, is seeing how easily you fall into your usual routine. This fixation of yours—it’s almost endearing. If you want my attention you could just ask."
Joey scoffed, though his cheeks flushed against his will. "Yeah, well, maybe you just like the attention. Can’t imagine you get much of it otherwise." He tilted his head, pretending to examine Kaiba’s suit with mock interest. "Or maybe you think dressing up for a night like this makes you untouchable."
Kaiba chuckled softly, a rare sound that made Joey’s pulse quicken in spite of himself. "Are you suggesting I need attention, Inspector? Interesting coming from the man who spends his evenings chasing shadows. But I guess you seem quiet occupied with my choice of clothes for a reason?"
Joey clenched his jaw, but he refused to let Kaiba get under his skin. "Keep laughin’, Kaiba. When Blue Eyes shows up tonight, you’ll be the first one I bring in for questioning. You might be all smug and smugger now, but sooner or later, you’re gonna slip up."
Kaiba’s gaze was unwavering, almost challenging. "I’m looking forward to it," he said, his tone dangerously soft. "Though if I were you, I’d worry about catching up to him first. Blue Eyes, from what I hear, has quite the reputation for being out of reach."
Joey’s scowl deepened, and he fought the urge to grab Kaiba by his perfect lapels and drag him to the nearest police station. But he knew he’d look like a fool, especially since he had no concrete evidence linking Kaiba to Blue Eyes—just a nagging feeling and years of suspicious behavior.
Before Joey could respond, Kaiba casually stepped closer, close enough that Joey could feel the faint brush of his breath. "Tell me, Wheeler," Kaiba murmured, "are you here for the sapphire, or are you here for me?"
Joey’s cheeks flushed hot. "What are you—look, Kaiba, I’m here to catch a thief, alright? So if you’re tryin’ to make me think you got nothin’ to hide, think again."
Kaiba’s smile grew. "Good. Then I won’t spoil your little investigation. But don’t let me distract you too much—I’d hate for you to lose focus."
With a slow, almost lazy gesture, Kaiba turned and disappeared into the crowd. Joey fumed, his fists clenched at his sides as he watched Kaiba glide through the guests, stopping here and there to make polite conversation. He wanted nothing more than to follow, but he forced himself to stay by the display. He’d already dedicated too many hours to tracking Kaiba’s every move, and if Kaiba was Blue Eyes, he’d have more than enough tricks up his sleeve to shake any tail Joey tried to put on him.
An hour passed, and Joey maintained his vigil, his eyes darting between the sapphire case and the guests—or rather a certain guest. Occasional he send instructions to his division or demanding updates but everything was quiet and calm. Too calm. The party was in full swing, the champagne flowing freely, the laughter and music filling the air.
Meanwhile, Kaiba's biggest problem right now was Inspector Wheeler shadowing him like a leashed guard dog. The Inspector’s eyes were practically glued to his side, looking suspicious every time Kaiba so much as lifted a finger. It was starting to become a problem. The plan was ready to unfold, but he’d never pull it off with Joey so guarded.
With a smirk, Kaiba made a quick decision that, even to him, seemed delightfully absurd. He turned to face Joey, walking up to him and extended his hand, eyebrow arched in challenge. “Detective Inspector Wheeler, since you’re so determined to stay by my side tonight, why don’t we make it less awkward?”
Joey blinked, staring down at Kaiba’s outstretched hand as if it were a cobra. “You serious?” he scoffed, his eyes narrowing. “You want me to dance with you? You realize I am on duty.”
Kaiba gave a casual shrug, his eyes quickly scanning the room. “Unless you have a better way to make your surveillance look... discreet? Because, right now, you’re the one looking most suspicious. Plus, it would give you the privilege of observing me directly—what better way to prove my innocence?” His smirk widened. “Or maybe you're just afraid you won’t be able to keep up with me?”
Joey flushed but, clearly unwilling to give Kaiba the satisfaction of saying no, grumbled, “Fine. Just don’t get any ideas, Blue Eyes.”
With a resigned sigh, Joey clasped Kaiba’s hand, letting himself be guided onto the dance floor where couples swayed to the elegant strains of a waltz. The gilded hall shimmered under the glow of chandeliers, the music wrapping around them like silk. Joey followed Kaiba’s lead, though his movements were stiff, each step more awkward than the last.
“You’re not much of a dancer, are you?” Kaiba murmured, his sharp gaze alternating between Joey’s eyes and his clumsy footwork. “I’m beginning to think you’re afraid of more than just the criminals you chase.”
Joey’s jaw tightened, his pride flaring. “I can dance just fine,” he snapped, stepping closer to match Kaiba’s rhythm. The turns and spins were fluid on Kaiba’s end, but Joey’s every move screamed tension. “And don’t think this little act is enough to distract me.”
Kaiba’s lips twitched into the faintest of smirks. “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied smoothly, leaning in just enough for his voice to brush against Joey’s ear. “But if I were Blue Eyes, tonight would be my masterpiece. A sapphire stolen in plain sight, under the watchful eye of an inspector who’s pursued me for years. Imagine the thrill.”
Joey froze mid-step, his eyes widening. But Kaiba didn’t miss a beat, guiding him effortlessly through another turn. The weight of those words lingered in the air—provocative, teasing, and far too deliberate.
“You—” Joey began, but his words faltered as Kaiba’s grip tightened, holding him in place, his expression unreadable save for the glint of amusement in his eyes.
Kaiba leaned closer, his voice a velvet whisper. “You’re sharper than most, Wheeler. It’s one of your more admirable qualities. So consider this... an early Christmas gift.”
Before Joey could respond, Kaiba’s hand slid to the small of his back, pulling him closer in one swift motion. His lips pressed against Joey’s—a brief but electrifying kiss that left Joey stunned, his cheeks flushing as he processed what had just happened.
The moment shattered as the lights flickered. Joey’s head snapped up, instincts flaring, but Kaiba didn’t let him move. His hand remained firm on Joey’s shoulder, and that ever-present smirk hinted at mischief yet to come.
“Kaiba—” Joey hissed, his gaze darting toward the display case across the room.
But Kaiba had already stepped back, releasing him with an elegant bow, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “The pleasure was all mine, Inspector Wheeler.”
Suddenly, a plume of smoke erupted from the display area, filling the room in a haze of chaos. The lights flickered out entirely, and a split second later, the sprinklers kicked on, dousing the entire room in a freezing, fine mist. The guests screamed in surprise, stumbling through the haze and water as the lights blinked back on, exposing their shocked, dripping faces.
Joey’s pulse pounded. He shouldered his way through the crowd toward the sapphire’s display, just in time to see an empty spot where the necklace had been moments ago.
“Everyone, stay calm!” he commanded, his voice cutting through the rising chaos, though his pulse thundered at the sight of the empty display case—its only occupant now a lone Blue-Eyed Dragon card. Adrenaline surged as he sprinted toward the doors, signaling to his officers stationed outside. “Seal every exit!” he barked. “Blue Eyes just made their move!”
Within moments, the officers had corralled the guests outside, all of them soaked and grumbling, casting annoyed glances at the police as they lined up for inspection. Joey strode through the crowd, his clothes clinging to his skin, his mind racing. He’d been right there—Kaiba had practically told him what he was planning, and still he’d slipped away with the prize.
But Joey wasn’t going to let Kaiba slink off so easily.
There, standing amidst the guests, looking just as composed as if he hadn’t just danced with him—kissed him—was Seto Kaiba, adjusting his drenched suit with a look of mild irritation.
Joey stormed over, his eyes blazing. “Kaiba,” he said, the accusation clear in his tone. “Looks like I’ll have to search everyone. Starting with you.”
Kaiba’s mouth curved into a slow, taunting smile. “Are you sure about that, Inspector? Wouldn’t want to ruin your reputation.”
Joey ignored the barb, giving Kaiba a hard look as he began his search. He rifled through Kaiba’s jacket, checked his sleeves, even went so far as to pat down the inside of Kaiba’s collar, Kaiba’s eyes following Joey’s every move, a look of pure amusement on his face.
“Is this standard procedure, Inspector?” Kaiba asked in a low voice, a hint of mockery in his tone. “Or are you taking liberties just because it’s me?”
Joey’s cheeks flared, but he kept his voice steady. “I don’t have to answer that. And don’t think I didn’t notice the little stunt you just pulled in there. You’re not slippin’ away this time, Kaiba.”
Kaiba arched an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. “I’m not slipping anywhere, am I? Go ahead—search me all you want. Maybe you’re hoping to find more than just a necklace?”
Joey bristled but didn’t break stride, checking Kaiba’s cuffs, the pockets inside his coat, his pants pockets—anywhere the necklace might have been hidden. But as he went through each pocket, each crease, each fold, there was nothing. No necklace. No evidence at all. Nothing.
Frustrated, Joey jerked back, his expression darkening. “So, you were smart enough to get someone else to do your dirty work.”
Kaiba exhaled slowly, unruffled as he adjusted his damp collar with practiced ease. His cool smile returned. “Perhaps. Or maybe your imagination’s running wild again... Inspector Wheeler.”
Joey’s fists clenched, anger boiling just beneath the surface. The glint in Kaiba’s eyes was unmistakable—he was enjoying this far too much.
Biting back a curse, Joey spun around, barking orders at nearby officers. “Search every inch of this museum! Check behind the displays, in the walls—Blue Eyes might’ve stashed it somewhere inside!”
Behind him, Kaiba’s voice lowered to a soft, mocking murmur. “Better luck next time, Inspector.” He leaned in just enough for his words to brush against Joey’s ear, rich with amusement. “Who knows? Maybe Blue Eyes will leave you a clue someday.” His tone dipped into a playful purr. “And if you ever feel like continuing our little dance... let me know. I’d hate for you to get bored without me.”
Heat rose to Joey’s cheeks, his mind scrambling for a sharp retort—but before he could speak, Kaiba pivoted with effortless grace and vanished into the crowd, cool and composed as ever.
Joey exhaled wearily, he could already hear Commissioner Nakamura yell at him Find the jewel or find another job.