Chapter 1618

With no disinfectant in hand, Stella did her best to clean Keegan’s wounds with water. She then used her scarf to apply pressure on them.

Once she was done, she looked up and said, “Let me feed him something.” The driver observed her in silence.

“You can tie me back up once he’s done eating,” Stella insisted.

The driver tossed a bag of food toward her and turned to his men. “Keep an eye on them. Don’t let that son of a bitch go berserk again. I need a smoke.”

Keegan, who was battered and bruised, did not have much of an appetite. He ate only a little before losing interest.

After the meal, the couple was quickly tied up once more. The abusive man’s gaze was cold, but he refrained from further violence after being told off by the driver.

The Kanes and the Sauns were in a panic after knowing about Stella and Keegan. They pulled every string they had and scoured for any lead that might prove useful.

Using the blurry surveillance footage and the account of the stabbed shop owner, the police swiftly produced a composite sketch of the kidnappers. The sketches were then swiftly shared with the public.

Upon seeing the sketch, Marshall slammed on the brakes and turned his car around. He headed in a different direction with a stern expression on his face.

Soon, it was nightfall. The three kidnappers took turns on watch duty.

Worried about Keegan’s condition, Stella would call out to him every now and then.

Fortunately, it was winter, and the wounds were less likely to become infected. However, with the significant loss of blood and numerous injuries, Keegan’s face was ghostly pale.

Stella could not fathom how the kidnappers had discovered the phone when it was hidden so discreetly.

Keegan had even told her to turn off Bluetooth so that it would not be traced. Yet, they still found it.

“Stella,” Keegan called out to her.

Stella returned to her senses and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Keegan leaned in close to her and whispered something in her ears. Stella then widened her eyes. “But your injuries…”

“I’m fine,” Keegan assured. He took a breath and said,” Resting here for a bit has helped a lot. They’ve switched cars. They’ll probably leave the city before daybreak. Once they’re out of Rivera, it’ll be much harder to track them down. When the time comes, I’ll provoke them while you act accordingly.”

“Let me provoke him,” Stella murmured. “I’ve met this person before. I know what buttons to push.”

It was 1:00 a.m. when the abusive man was assigned to watch duty.

Stella lowered her gaze and suddenly muttered, “Useless piece of shit.”

The man seemed particularly sensitive to those words.” What did you say?” he asked in a low and ominous voice.

Stella looked up. “I said you’re a useless, abusive piece of shit! You only dare to prey on the vulnerable.

You didn’t even have the guts to fight back when that man kicked you in the guts. You’re pathetic!”

The man felt provoked. He grabbed Stella by the collar and slapped her hard. “I dare you to say that again!”

Keegan clenched his fists, and his eyes were burning with a desire to make that scum suffer.

Stella spat out a mouthful of blood, and her voice was cold.” You’re useless, pathetic, and abusive. If you’re as tough as you think you are, you wouldn’t have stood there and taken that beating. No wonder your wife wants a divorce. You’re weak!”

The man’s face darkened. He shoved Stella away, grabbed an ax, and stormed out.

Stella had been careful with how she positioned her hands the second time they were tied up. Her hands were not bound too tightly. With a swift motion, she freed herself and skillfully untied Keegan. Then, she grabbed his hand, and they bolted for the exit.