Maya's POV
When Damon walked through the door, his appearance told the whole story. His shoulders slumped with invisible weight, his eyes reflecting exhaustion and distress. Whatever news that phone call brought had clearly shaken him. Without hesitation, I rushed to embrace him, my arms wrapping around his torso as concern flooded my heart.
"Are you okay?" I whispered against his chest.
"More or less, little one," he replied, his voice strained. "Let's sit down. I need to share something with everyone."
Damon guided me to the sofa, his hand never leaving mine as he addressed the room in a grave tone. "My investigator friend just called with an update. They've apprehended Aria. All evidence suggests she was the midwife who delivered your first wife's baby, Orson."
"That sounds like progress, doesn't it?" Cole asked, uncertainty evident in his voice.
"It is," Damon confirmed with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
