Then she noticed Nora, Jason, Liam, Asher, and Miles altogether sitting on the same couch.
' Perfect,' Shannon wistfully thought.
She went towards them smiling.
A little anger boiled inside her when they gave her a look of distaste as if she was just going to pester them.
' Calm down, they're just nothing compared to me.' Shannon exhaled.
"Hey guys! How's the party?"
"Fine as usual," Miles replied.
"Well, it seems you guys are having fun. Mind if I join?" Shannon winked at Asher and Liam.
Shannon can feel some girls whispering behind her back like they're jealous.
"No thank you," Jason replied, almost snapping.
"The party's fun actually, but I just remembered I've got something to do." Nora sarcastically stood up and left.
The boys went after her.
"It seems they don't like dimwitted braggarts," someone chuckled behind,
Shannon turned to see Hannah Solace, one of Victoria's close friends snickering with dozens of girls behind.
"You should remember you're not the only one here with a big house," Hannah mocked,
"I think you seem to brag about every piece of furniture. Looks like it's your first time to have a mansion like this," Maria Hansley added.
"I think so. From the first to the third year she was all rags. Now she magically came to dress in some branded clothes."
"And she bragged like she thinks she's the only one who has this and that,"
Everyone started whispering and pointed at her mockingly.
"Shannon is still new here. I've just found my lost daughter recently so it's normal for her to brag about something small and new to her," Simeon cut to her defense,
"Dad," Shannon started to sob.
"Sweetheart. It's okay," Simeon coaxed her in his arms as Sabrina patted her head,
"I've also heard recently that your late wife was the admirable Ms. Selene," Maria said.
"Yes, that's true." Simeon looked at her sternly,
"Ms. Selene is dead and as far as I know, Ms. Amanda is her only daughter. Could Shannon be a child out of someone's mistress?" Hannah asked.
This took Simeon aback.
Sabrina was surprised too.
"This is my family's private matter. What happens between my family is none of your business. And do mind your manners if you still wanna stay Ms. Solace. Even if your father has high standards, this is my house." Simeon said looking dangerously calm.
Hannah smirked and rolled her eyes.
"Sorry Mr. Wiles. You don't have to remind me because I'm out." She walked towards the door.
Halfway there, she paused and looked back to Simeon and Sabrina.
"By the way, Mr. Wiles. The Emersons' were right about you, you don't deserve Ms. Selene's company after what you've done in the past. We'll be waiting for Ms. Amanda to take back the company her mother bestowed to her. The Wiles family is better off." She smirked and left.
The others shifted uncomfortably and made excuses to leave.
Sabrina politely led the guests outside.