“Enough!” Old Master He’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “There’s no room for ‘buts’ in this matter. This decision is final.” His words rang in the silence that followed, the finality of them leaving an uncomfortable silence in their wake. The unyielding tone of her father left her visibly stunned, her mouth slightly agape as she processed the weight of his decree. It felt as though the ground had shifted beneath her, leaving her grappling for balance.