Aria's POV
There was silence. I slowly placed my teacup onto the table. "I'm not here because we've reconciled."
Walter's smile faltered. "Aria..."
"I haven't forgotten what happened."
The room became deathly still.
"I haven't stopped searching for the truth behind Joshua's death." My voice remained steady. "And I haven't given up on finding justice for my father."
Walter's expression turned sorrowful. "My child..."
"I can work with Damon." I met his eyes without hesitation. "But that's all."
Lydia whimpered quietly inside me. I ignored her.
Walter looked at me for a long moment. There was guilt in his eyes, and something that looked like regret.
His lips parted. "Actually... there's something you..."
Before Walter could continue, Damon spoke. "Grandfather..."
Walter looked tow
