Chapter 1: History Unveiled

"Grandpa, Grandpa, please tell us a story! We want to hear about our family history!" cried a group of excited children, their eager faces glowing under the warm afternoon sun. They sat in a picturesque garden, its blooming flowers swaying gently in the breeze. An old man, silver-haired and seated comfortably in a rocking chair, sipped his tea calmly, a smile teasing his lips.

"Yeah, Grandpa, we want to tell our friends and teachers!" added another, their enthusiasm infectious.

The old man chuckled, setting down his teacup. "Alright, alright, but remember not to rush your old grandpa. If you do, I might just change my mind." His eyes twinkled with mischief as the children promised in unison, "We won't, Grandpa! Please, start the story!"

"Very well," he said, his voice soft yet commanding their full attention. "It all began with a family of five who owned the most successful construction company in the world. This company wasn't just any ordinary business; it had a reputation for excellence, praised for its remarkable structures and unmatched quality. Their secret method made them the best, admired by people from every corner of the globe."

One of the boys interrupted, curiosity brimming in his eyes. "Grandpa, what was the secret method?"

The old man chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Ah, now if I told you, it wouldn't be a secret anymore, would it?" He winked, making the children giggle. "The family never revealed it, not even to their closest relatives. When asked, they simply said, 'It's a family secret.' But..." His voice grew somber. "Success often brings envy. A greedy relative, hungry for their fortune, betrayed them. He conspired with a rival company, causing their once-thriving business to crumble."

The children's faces fell, and one of the girls asked, "Did they give away the secret, Grandpa?"

The old man shook his head, his expression firm. "No, they never did. But their refusal came at a cost. They lost everything— their company, their wealth, and their standing as the best in the industry. Worse, their own family turned their backs on them, all because they wouldn't give up their legacy."

"That's so unfair!" one child exclaimed, while another muttered, "Not cool at all."

"Grandpa, what happened next?" a boy asked, leaning in as if the next part of the tale held the answers to all life's mysteries.

The old man smiled, shaking his head gently. "That, my dear children, is a story for another day. It's getting late, and your grandmother is waiting for you all."

"But Grandpa!" a girl protested, "What was the family's name? And the company?"

"Ah, thank you for reminding me. The company was called Woodistine Limited, and the family's name was Frianmes."

"Wait... isn't that our family name?" one of the boys blurted out in surprise.

The old man's eyes sparkled. "Indeed, it is. Frianmes is a combination of your great-grandfather Frances and your great-grandmother Liama."

"Wow..." the children murmured in awe.

Before they could ask any more questions, an elderly woman called from the mansion, "Children, it's time for dinner!"

"Coming, Grandma!" they chorused, dashing off toward the grand house.

As the old man rose slowly from his chair, a butler approached with a soft smile. "Master Lankes, the young ones seemed truly captivated by the story."

Lankes nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, but they should have known their history long before now. Their parents are too busy to tell them."

"Are you coming, old man?" called the woman again, her tone warm but playful.

"I'm coming, Mary," Lankes replied, a fond smile gracing his face as he slowly followed the children inside.