?Chapter 248:


    Ruth’s direct inquiry about Marissa’s divorce made Marissa realize that Le had shared the truth about her marriage to Connor with the entire family


    With the truth no longer needing to be hidden, Marissa said, “Grandma, I intend to file for divorce from Connor soon and return with the children to the Sanchez household. Would you be willing to amodate us?”


    “What are you talking about?” Ruth gently ced her hand on Marissa’s, reproaching her, “You are my granddaughter. The Sanchez family is your sanctuary. How could I ever push you away? We’re thrilled to have you with us.”


    Rachel chimed in with a grin, “With the sudden addition of two kids, I must rush to prepare their room and gather their necessities.”


    Daryl added with a smile, “When Caylee wakes up, she’ll be delighted to meet Tiffany and her two new friends.”


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    Marissa felt deeply grateful for the Sanchez family’s warm embrace of the children


    “Grandma, Uncle Daryl, Rachel, Shaun, the presence of the children mightplicate things for Connor. Until he formally announces the divorce, please keep them out of the public eye.”


    The Sanchez family members nodded in agreement


    Just then, Daryl’s phone rang. He quickly rose from his seat and stepped outside to take the call. When he returned, his expression was troubled. As Marissa pondered, Rachel asked, “Is there more trouble with thepany?”


    With a heavy sigh, Daryl revealed, “Charles Acosta called again, threatening us and pressuring us to sell ‘Birds Pay Homage’ to him at a discount.”


    “They’ve crossed a line!” Rachel eximed indignantly. “Charles is allied with the Clifford family. By forcing us to sell the painting at a reduced price, isn’t he essentially pushing our Moonbeam Gallery toward bankruptcy?”


    As she spoke, Rachel cast a solemn nce toward Shaun, her disappointment palpable. “Ever since you were born, your father and I have hoped to groom you as the heir to the Moonbeam Gallery,” shemented. “Yet, despite our guidance, you’ve chosen to be a ‘Climbing Bum’ after graduation. Had you followed our advice and put more effort into the family business, you could now be helping your father navigate these turbulent times. Instead, we’re witnessing the potential unraveling of the efforts of generations of the Sanchez family.”


    Shaun bowed his head, weighed down by guilt


    Marissa nced curiously at Shaun. She hadn’t anticipated that Shaun, with his genteel demeanor, harbored aspirations of bing a Climbing Bum!


    The term “Climbing Bum” referred to those who were passionate about climbing and lived a life free from conventional employment or home ownership, traveling from ce to ce for climbing, skiing, surfing, and embracing nature. For someone from an ordinary family or a wealthy idler, pursuing a life as a Climbing Bum might be eptable as a lifelong aspiration. However, as the sole male heir of the Sanchez family, Shaun’s choice carried a sense of irresponsibility, making Rachel’s frustration understandable


    Marissa respected individual choice deeply. Shaun’s disinterest in taking over the family business and his preference for unrestrained wandering were his own decisions, ones no one could impose upon him. Turning her attention to Daryl, she asked, “Uncle Daryl, could you provide a detailed ount of the situation?”


    Daryl sighed heavily


    “The Moonbeam Gallery and the Clifford family both operate in the calligraphy and painting industry, leading to intensepetition and frequent conflicts. The Clifford family has built connections within both official and underworld circles and uses various underhanded tactics. As a result, the Moonbeam Gallery has faced significant challenges. Under the relentless pressure from the Clifford family, our fortunes have dwindled. Thankfully, several years ago, we acquired a painting called ‘Birds Pay Homage’ by the renowned artist Only, which has be the cornerstone of ourpany’s survival. Without ‘Birds Pay Homage,’ the Moonbeam Gallery would be on the brink of copse, facing imminent bankruptcy. The Clifford family has long coveted this painting and has intensified their efforts to obtain it. They are now coborating with Charles Acosta to increase pressure on the Sanchez family. I fear we may not be able to keep the painting, and the Moonbeam Gallery might ultimately fall into the hands of the Clifford family.”


    Upon hearing Daryl’s exnation, Marissa asked, “Who exactly is Charles Acosta?”


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