The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 47

Celia immediately spotted several high-ranking university officials scattered throughout the rows.

The sprawling auditorium was packed with faculty and students, all buzzing in hushed, reverent whispers as they awaited the arrival of the god-like billionaire.

As she walked further down, she noticed that the audience wasn't just limited to academics; several top-tier corporate executives were also in attendance.

When she reached the very front row, every single seat was occupied—except for the absolute best seat dead center, which remained hauntingly empty. No one dared to claim it.

Ken had to hurry off to coordinate the technical details of the lecture and hadn't escorted her all the way down.

Approaching the empty chair, Celia completely ignored the horrified, bewildered stares of the university brass and corporate elites, gracefully taking her seat.

A collective gasp rippled through the immediate vicinity.

However, a few of the university leaders had previously witnessed Celia in the principal's office and knew she had a powerful connection to Mr. Zucker, so they wisely kept their mouths shut.

Seated right next to Celia was a sharp, fiercely polished woman in a black pencil skirt.

Seeing a young girl casually steal Mr. Zucker's seat, the woman frowned in disgust before letting out a loud, mocking scoff and rolling her eyes.

"I thought Capital University was supposed to be a top-tier institution. Can the students here not even read?"

The jab was obviously aimed at Celia.

Celia stifled a yawn, lazily resting her chin in her hand as she scrolled through her phone, utterly unbothered.

There was an underground street race happening in the Capital soon, and the drivers in her group chat were practically begging her to join.

She had clearly heard the woman's snide remark, but simply couldn't be bothered to engage. Let the dog bark.

Seeing her reaction—or lack thereof—the woman's disdain deepened, her tone turning even more venomous and shrill. "Young girls these days have zero interest in studying or working hard. All you do is dream up sleazy little shortcuts to sleep your way to the top. Keep dreaming."

[Sure, I'll join. I have nothing better to do anyway.]

Blinking innocently, Celia turned to the woman in the black skirt, a dangerous, mocking smile dancing in her eyes.

"If my memory serves me right, you must be Zoe, the regional director of the Lambert Group?"

"Who are you? How do you know me?" Zoe's eyes widened in shock, suddenly looking at her with high alert.

Celia smiled sweetly and pointed with her chin to the back of the woman's chair. "Isn't your name written right there?"

Every VIP seat had a name tag plastered on the back.

Zoe's face darkened, her glare turning absolutely murderous. "Did you not hear a word I just said? That is not your seat. Get out!"

Celia blinked with exaggerated innocence. "But what am I supposed to do? There are no other seats left. I'm forced to sit here."

When dealing with nobodies, Celia rarely bothered to hide her naturally vicious, playful streak.