A second large man dressed in a black suit quickly stepped forward from the shadows.
He placed a firm hand on the scarred man's heavy shoulder to pull him back.
Bouncer: Vinnie, back off right now.
Vinnie ignored his own bodyguard and kept his hard gaze fixed entirely on Isabella's face.
He seemed surprised that a woman in a chef coat dared to touch him.
Isabella could hear her own heart pounding loudly against her chest under her jacket.
She knew that one wrong move could destroy the reputation of the famous establishment.
The general manager was already standing near the entrance with a pale white face.
If a fight broke out now, Isabella would lose her dream job by morning.
Isabella: You're frightening my customers. And you're about to cost me my job.
Vinnie raised his eyebrows slightly as a small dark smile slowly touched his lips.
The sharp tension in his arm relaxed just a tiny bit as he processed her words.
He had expected her to beg for mercy or call for the local police.
Instead, she was standing her ground over the reputation of a fine dining establishment.
Vinnie: You grabbed me because you're worried about your job?
Isabella: Yes. So don't dare me.
Vinnie leaned in closer until he was standing only a few inches away from her.
The surrounding guests held their breath as they waited for the situation to explode.
Isabella stood perfectly still like a solid statue while looking directly into his face.
She had built her career from nothing after working years in dirty basement kitchens.
She was not going to let a violent stranger ruin everything she owned today.
Vinnie set the heavy crystal wine glass back down on the crisp white table cover.
He slowly tilted his head to the side as if studying a mysterious prize.
Vinnie: What's your name?
Isabella: Isabella Rossi.
Vinnie nodded slowly as if he was writing her full name down in his memory.
He turned away without saying another word and walked toward the heavy front doors.
His large guard followed close behind him while looking nervously back at the chef.