Lost Me Gained Regret

As soon as I opened the door, a man I didn't recognize was standing outside. He was dressed in a finely tailored suit and vest, tall and dignified, with a dark coat casually draped over one arm. He appeared to

be in his early thirties, yet there was an air of deep, inscrutable authority about him... like an elder.

I didn't recall ever meeting this man, so I was momentarily taken aback. "Hello, who are you looking for?"

"Hello." He nodded slightly, "I'm looking for Ike Taylor."

"Ike?" My brain froze for a moment, then it clicked, and I asked with a smile, "You mean Ike?"

"Yes."

"And you are...?"

"I'm his father, Herbert Taylor."

"...Alright."

blunt manner of speaking instantly reminded me of the few times Ike had mentioned his dad-calling him an old-fashioned guy. Herbert didn't rudely peer past me into the house but maintained eye contact "Today is the Taylor

family was one of the three most influential families in the area, alongside the Ford and Myers families. They were known for being both low-key and deeply connected. Yet, Herbert didn't come off as overly assertive, which I found quite

"Would you mind

saying this, he stepped aside towards the elevator lobby to wait, giving me space

is here. He says there's

showed up?" Edith sounded annoyed, "Hand

over to Herbert.

stepped away when I heard Edith start to go off on the other end. However, Herbert's tone was softer than

I came over, but you didn't

my bad. I should've kept calling until you

not get

entirely whipped. I chuckled to myself and went back to scoop up Ike, who had just finished

location of our little shop was quite close