Felix had never imagined running into Gerald on the street after all these years. Finally, he had a chance to properly discuss Eloise's situation.

This encounter felt so unreal that he had rushed out of the cab without thinking. But when the person turned around slowly, his eyes were filled with confusion. "Who are you?" he asked.

Felix stood dumbfounded, at a loss for words. From the cab, the man's side profile and the way he walked matched Gerald exactly. They even shared the same clean-cut hairstyle.

But upon seeing his full face now, Felix realized his mistake. The man merely resembled Gerald. "I'm sorry, I mistook you for someone else."

The old man said nothing and walked on. Felix hailed another cab and left.

Less than a minute after Felix departed, a burly middle-aged man fell into step beside the old man. "My lord."

Without breaking stride, the Ancient Sage spoke. "Did you hear that young man call me Mr. Hoffman?"

"Yes. What would you have me do?"

The Ancient Sage