Cole's POV
The idea of confirming my suspicions about Maya's parentage consumed my thoughts after visiting my sister. Damon had explained I needed either a strand of hair or a drinking glass Claire had used for the DNA test. I weighed my options carefully before deciding on a direct approach—I'd have to enter the witch's lair myself.
Rising before dawn, I timed my arrival at Claire's house to coincide with her Sunday church attendance. The irony wasn't lost on me—how someone so venomous could spend hours in a house of worship. Perhaps playing the devoted parishioner was just another performance in her never-ending charade of respectability.
"Cole? What a surprise," Kristen, the longtime maid, greeted me with visible unease. I hadn't frequented this place since leaving, except for occasional visits to see Maya.
"Morning, Kristen. Is Claire home? I need a word with her."
"She's at church. Young Justin is still asleep, though."
