Chapter 168

Stella stood by the window, lifting a corner of the curtain, carefully watching the guards switch shifts outside the villa. It had been three days. Charles said he was keeping her here for her safety, but honestly, it felt more like she was being locked up. She couldn't wait around any longer—she had to get out. Taking advantage of the darkness, she managed to pry open the bathroom's air vent. Her slim frame barely fit inside. The vent was tight and pitch-black. Metal edges scratched her arms, blood trickling down, but she gritted her teeth and stayed silent. All that mattered was getting out. Getting in touch with Dr. Reed's people. When she finally reached the villa's outer wall, she dropped from a hidden vent and landed hard into the bushes. She quickly got up and, using the shadows for cover, ran toward the distant road. For the first time in days, she felt free. On the roadside stood a phone booth. Her fingers were trembling as she dialed the number left by Dr. Reed. "Beep... beep