Leo hurried back through the crowds of smiling guests.
The music was loud and people were drinking fresh champagne.
He looked for his dad near the central wooden podium.
Mark was busy talking to the elderly owner of the company.
Harold: You earned this big executive reward, Mark.
Mark: Thank you sir, I worked very hard for it.
Leo tried to push through three tall men in black suits.
Leo: Dad! I need to tell you something important!
A waiter stopped Leo gently by the arm with a smile.
Waiter: Hold on young man, your dad is speaking now.
Mark raised his microphone to address the whole crowded room.
Everyone started clapping and cheering loudly for Mark.
Leo felt helpless as the crowd moved closer to the stage.
He turned around and saw the kitchen doors open wide.
Two waiters carried the tall chocolate cake into the light.
The entire room let out an impressed cheer at the sight.
Evelyn stood in the corner with a fake gentle smile on her face.
Leo saw her guide the waiter toward Mark's specific table.
Evelyn: Put it right here for our guest of honor.
The waiters set the heavy cake onto the white table cloth.
A long silver knife sat beside the custom dessert plate.
Mark smiled and walked back down from the wooden stage.
Harold: Cut the first piece for yourself, Mark!
Mark: I would love to cut it for everyone.
Mark picked up the sharp silver knife with his right hand.
Evelyn stepped closer with a small glass of red wine.
Evelyn: Go ahead Mark, you really deserve this special treat.
Leo knew he had no time left to explain the truth.
If he just spoke up, people might not believe a kid.
If Mark ate even one bite, he could lose his life.
Leo took a deep breath and made up his mind fast.
He bolted straight toward the white dessert table.
His shoes slid slightly on the polished marble floor.