CHAPTER 5: THE EXCLUSIVE RESERVED SEAT

At the lab, Victoria had to conduct an experiment and attend some classes organized by the school to earn extra credits. She chose to audit courses because she wanted to learn more. St. George's University allowed students to audit classes as long as they didn't disturb others. Victoria enjoyed this because it let her explore topics outside her major. After finishing her morning experiment, Victoria reported to Professor Julia and planned to attend a class taught by a favorite professor. Professor Julia agreed but asked Victoria to return after the class since there were more experiments to do in the afternoon. Victoria took her organized materials to an Economics and Trade class. Economics and trade are hot topics today, and economic globalization is inevitable. The laboratory was a bright space filled with high-tech equipment and rows of workstations. The hum of machines and the occasional buzz of centrifuges created a backdrop of scientific activity. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, making the space airy and dynamic. Victoria loved the energy and potential for discovery in the lab. There were many auditors in today's class. Victoria arrived early and found a seat. Just after she sat down, she noticed a familiar face. It was Amelia. Victoria didn’t expect to see her there, but it made sense since Amelia's family business was related to international trade. She must be here preparing for the future. "Wow, why are there so many people in class today?" the girl on Amelia's right whined, scrunching her nose in disgust. "I hate it. There are so many people, and the smell is terrible." The girl on Amelia's left crossed her arms and sighed loudly. "It's annoying. I don't even want to come to this class. We can't learn anything; we just listen to the old professor bragging. It's so annoying." They wouldn't have come if it weren't for Amelia attending the class. Hearing their complaints, Amelia's brows knitted together in irritation. "I didn't ask you to choose this class. If you don't want to attend, you can go to the bar and have a few drinks." The girl on the left immediately smiled brightly and leaned in closer. "Attending class is more important than drinking! Amelia, don't be angry. We'll accompany you." Amelia enjoyed the attention and wanted to avoid driving these two followers away. She strode confidently to the middle of the room, heading to her usual seat, but today, someone was already sitting there. Victoria looked up and found Amelia staring at her, eyes fierce and unyielding. Victoria quickly averted her gaze and focused on her materials, her heart pounding. "Who let you sit there?" the girl on Amelia's left demanded, her voice loud and sharp. She pointed accusingly at Victoria. "That's Amelia's exclusive seat. She always sits there when she comes to class!" This seat was ideal, close to the front and far from the front. It offered a clear view of the teacher and a pleasant view outside. It was indeed a good spot. But now it was occupied by Victoria. There was no such thing as an "exclusive seat" in the classroom. It was first come, first served. Victoria arrived first so she could sit wherever there was a seat. And if she didn't sit down, she would have to stand here for two hours. The seats in the classroom were already total, and even if Victoria wanted to give a seat to Amelia, she couldn't. Besides, she didn't want to give up her seat anyway. "What are you saying?" Victoria asked, tilting her head with a puzzled expression. "I don't understand." The other girl with Amelia slammed the table, her face turning red with anger. "The seat you're sitting in now belongs to Amelia. She always sits here, so you need to move and give the seat back to Amelia." Victoria crossed her arms and smirked. "Then call out the seat. If it agrees with you, I'll admit that it's Amelia's seat. But if it doesn't, I can't give you the seat because you can't prove it belongs to you." "Harriet, let's teach her a lesson!" The girl on the left rolled up her shirt sleeves, ready to physically remove Victoria. With a quick and firm move, Victoria grabbed her wrist and pushed her backward, causing her to stumble and hit the desk in the next row. Helen's eyes widened in shock and pain. "Margaret, are you okay?" Harriet rushed to help Margaret, then glared at Victoria with fiery eyes. "Damn it, I'll teach you a lesson!" Victoria focused on something other than these two followers but on Amelia. From beginning to end, Amelia hadn't said a word; she was watching the scene unfold with a slight smirk. If Harriet and Margaret could teach Victoria a lesson, it would be great for her. And if Victoria and Margaret fought, all three would be affected. Amelia's eyes gleamed with calculated amusement, enjoying the show from her stance. Seeing the smirk on Amelia's face, Victoria knew she had malicious intentions. She was probably waiting for Victoria to make a move. Victoria couldn't let her watch from the sidelines. Victoria had to drag Amelia down if there was a fight today. "Amelia, are these two your lackeys?" Victoria sneered, her eyes narrowing. "They're really weak. I just moved their wrist a little, and they flew out. They're not even resistant. What kind of master you have determines what kind of lackeys you have, right? What do you say, huh?" Amelia's smirk faltered, replaced by a flash of anger in her eyes. She grinned slightly as she stared at Victoria; she could tell Victoria was belittling her, implying she had chosen two trashy followers who weren't even worthy of her. Amelia didn't want to pick Harriet and Margaret as her lackeys. Still, St. George's University students were busy, and there weren't many people as idle as Margaret and Harriet, who were always available whenever she needed them. "Amelia, if I were you, I'd fire these two idiots," Victoria said with a sly smile, her eyes glinting with mischief. "They can't shield you from bullets, they can't hold seats for you, and all they do is follow you around making noise. What's the use of keeping them?" Amelia's face flushed with anger as she held tightly her fists in rage. "This has nothing to do with you!" she shouted, trembling slightly. "They're my friends, not yours!" Victoria chuckled loudly, crossing her arms. "Indeed, I wouldn't hang out with idiots like them. It would affect my intelligence." Even at St. George's University, there was a gap in students' abilities. People like Harriet and Margaret could have been more outstanding. Smart people only looked for friends who were equal to them, inferior followers. Margaret and Harriet were Amelia's followers, not her friends. "Who are you calling idiots?" Harriet was furious, her face contorted with rage. She picked up a book from the desk, ready to hit Victoria. "You can imagine the courage to blurt out such words," Margaret sneered at Victoria, ready to pick a fight again. Victoria remained calm; her eyes locked on Amelia. She was ready for whatever came next.