30 The Party (8)

Leo stood there shocked and overwhelmed as no words came out of his mouth.

This was his only nephew, the child of his best friend who was calling him uncle in front of everyone.

Seeing no response from Leo, James grew a bit nervous as this was the first time that his mother was introducing him to someone she regarded as family... well expect his grandma whom he met a few days ago.

But unlike his grandma who was not here this uncle of his was very much present. Thinking that the uncle did not like him James eyes grew teary as he gripped Ivy tighter and tried to hide his small face on her neck, thinking that the uncle was not happy with him.

Seeing both her son and best friend behaving weirdly, Ivy was able to figure out what each of them was thinking, as she had grown up with one of them while the other one of them was her own son.

Sighing to herself, she patted James as a way to coax him and looked at her friend who stood there like a statue. Unresponsive.

Giving James a firm pat on the back she told him,

''Baby... uncle is surprised to see you that is why he is bewildered.''

Leo who heard Ivy got out of his trance and looked apprehensively at James, seeing his teary and red eyes he hurriedly nodded his head to show that he fully agreed with Ivy.

''Yes, you see...I am meeting you for the first time so I kind of grew nervous, haha... sorry for not responding. Umm... what do you like cars or robots or something else?... You know what I will give you everything. I have to make up for all the birthdays I have missed so far.

Leo said with determination as he started calculating all the toys he should buy for he felt that it was his responsibility as the uncle to spoil the child rotten with everything he asked for.

And for keeping the child in line...that burden fell entirely on the parents.

James grew surprised on hearing his uncle say too much but before he could even say thank you a yawn made its way through his mouth making Ivy look at her diamond-encrusted Chanel watch and seeing that the time for James bedtime had passed she nodded at Leo and told him,

"Meet you later Leo, Jamey needs to sleep now."

Saying so, she turned her back and walked out followed by her bodyguards as if there were no other people in the room.

While the people present in the hall stood surprised... trying to make sense of what just happened. When a sudden groan from Almund made everyone look at his pitiful figure on the ground.

Lucas Wood walked near him and just as he was about to pick him up, the door again opened.