“Cute little thing, ain’t she?” another said, elbowing his friend.
The girl froze, her knuckles whitening around the tray. “Please… excuse me,” she whispered, trying to keep her composure.
She placed the plates down carefully — but as she turned to leave, one of the men suddenly grabbed her thigh.
“Don’t rush off,” he said, grinning. “Why so scared? We want to chat.”
The girl flinched and pulled hard, but his grip was iron.
“Let me go!” she cried, her voice trembling.
The others burst into laughter.
Michael’s hand froze halfway to his mouth, his jaw tightening. His calm eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of irritation flashing across them.
He waited for the owner to step in — surely she’d seen it.
But she didn’t.
The girl twisted free and stumbled back, rushing behind the counter,
