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."

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's dinner gathering.

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

friendly smile, "Would you mind

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

out my phone and dialed Edith Ford, "Edith, Ike's dad is here. He says there's a family dinner and he wants to

of feudalism showed up?" Edith

I went over to Herbert. "Mr. Taylor, Edith wants to have a word

off on the other end. However,

called before I came over, but

I should've kept calling until you picked

not get

to scoop up Ike, who had just

shop was quite close to SZ Technology. We were having