I was genuinely speechless, staring at Janet's belly as if seeing a ghost.

Because my dad had been dead for five years.

But to Janet and her friends, my expression seemed like fear and shock, afraid of losing my inheritance to this new brother.

Flora giggled, "Bella, don't be scared, you should be happy. After all these years, you finally have a brother."

I wanted to explain that my name, Bella, meant beauty and hope, but they were too excited, talking so fast that I couldn't get a word in.

Thea also laughed, "Janet, look at your stepdaughter. She's so happy she can't speak."

The word stepdaughter made Janet even more smug. "Yes, the Jones family is big and wealthy. One daughter is not enough; it needs a son to carry on the family name. Your mother can't have children, so I'm having one for your father. You should be grateful, take care of me, and follow my orders."

Just as I was about to speak, Janet touched her belly and continued, "I know what you're thinking. You're wondering if the baby is a girl. I've checked; it's a boy. The Jones family will belong to my son. You know, even an illegitimate child has inheritance rights."

Thea pushed me. "Get your stepmom something to drink. If you don't please her now, you'll be kicked out when the baby is born. Don't say Janet didn't give you a chance."

I finally found an opportunity and covered Thea's mouth and said, "My dad has been dead for five years. This is a complete scam. As a classmate, I suggest you see a psychiatrist. Also, learn about morals and ethics."

I thought my words would end this farce, but Janet jumped up, "Hmph, you think I'll tolerate this? Do you think I don't know if your dad is dead or not? You lie so blatantly. No wonder your dad didn't like you!"

"Janet, be careful. You're carrying the Jones family's eldest son. Don't get upset," Flora helped Janet sit down, then shouted at me, "Bella, I've always disliked you. You lie without batting an eye. Before, you said you knew Leonardo and had dinner with him. That photo was clearly photoshopped. Now, to make Janet angry, you curse your own father?"

"Exactly, if your dad were dead, who manages the Jones Group? Who funds your lavish lifestyle? Money doesn't fall from the sky."

Janet got angrier, her hormones and pettiness making her cry immediately. "I'll call your dad now and have him cancel your credit card and kick your mother out of the house!"