Chapter 107: The Red Fury

The air crackled with a sudden tension as a group of four burly men, their arms adorned with elaborate tattoos, ambled towards Mariana, Daphne, and Hailey's table. The previously lively atmosphere at the barbeque stall seemed to dim under their imposing presence. "Hey there, ladies," the apparent leader of the group, a man with a shaved head and a thick scar running down his cheek, greeted them with a toothy grin that did little to hide the menacing glint in his eyes. "Mind if we share your table?" Daphne, ever the diplomat, offered a polite smile. "Actually, this table is taken, gentlemen." Hailey, however, was less forgiving. "Yeah," she chimed in, her voice laced with a surprising edge, "we're good. Find somewhere else." Despite their clear refusal, the men remained rooted to the spot. The tattooed leader chuckled, a sound devoid of humor. "Come on, don't be like that. We just wanted to enjoy some good company, right fellas?" He gestured to his companions, who mirrored his unset