The grand dining hall was filled with bright lights and warm laughter.
Mark smoothed down his black tie and smiled at his guests.
He had worked hard for five long years at the firm.
Tonight was his special award party with all his coworkers.
His young son Leo sat near the front table watching him.
Leo felt very proud of his dad's hard work.
Leo: You look like a famous boss tonight, Dad.
Mark: Thanks buddy, but I am still just your dad.
Mark patted his son gently on the shoulder with a smile.
Across the room, a woman named Evelyn watched them coldly.
She was the boss's daughter and hated Mark's fast promotion.
Evelyn thought she deserved the top position in the company.
She adjusted her red dress and walked toward the catering team.
Leo noticed her angry face from across the bright room.
Leo: Is that lady angry with us, Dad?
Mark: Do not worry about her, Leo.
Mark: Tonight is a good night for our family.
Mark walked toward the main stage to shake hands with guests.
Leo decided to walk around and get a cold glass of juice.
He walked down the long hallway toward the private kitchen back doors.
The smell of rich chocolate filled the quiet hallway carpet.
Leo stopped when he heard hushed voices behind the door.
Evelyn: Are you sure no one saw you drop it in?
Chef: I followed your instructions exactly, ma'am.
Leo stepped closer to the thin wooden gap in the door frame.
His heart started beating much faster against his chest.
He peeked through the small opening with wide eyes.
Evelyn was holding a small glass bottle with clear liquid inside.
Evelyn: The silver slice is meant only for Mark.
Chef: This stuff will cause severe heart failure in minutes.
Evelyn: Good, because he will never take my executive seat.
Leo gasped quietly and pressed his hand over his mouth.
He felt cold sweat on his forehead instantly.
He knew he had to do something right away.
The chef picked up a giant three-tier chocolate cake.
A shiny silver candle sat on top of the dark frosting.
Evelyn wiped the glass bottle clean with a small white napkins.
She tossed the bottle straight into the tall gray bin nearby.
Evelyn: Serve it right after his speech ends.
Leo backed away slowly without making any single noise.
He ran back toward the loud main dining room fast.
His mind was racing with total fear for his father.