Chapter 1373

"Mr. Fike..." Maria worried Austin would upset and hastily try to explain her niece's behavior. However, Austin ignored her, focusing his attention on Anastasia.

Anastasia met his gaze directly. "Why do you care?"

Austin smiled indifferently. "Did she also tell you that a reasonable diet and well-adjusted nutrition structure allow you to eat until you're full while losing weight?"

Anastasia eyed him warily. Maria interjected loudly, "What kind of deviant theory is that?! How can one lose weight without hunger? That's utter nonsense! Tasia, don't believe it!"

To Maria's surprise, Austin said, "No, to a certain degree, she's right."

Maria was puzzled. "You think she's right?"

Unbeknownst to her, Anastasia's hostility toward Austin lessened.

"To a certain degree," Austin said blandly. Many weight loss experts understood this theory: creating a calorie deficit, adjusting nutritional intake, and eliminating high-fat, high-sodium foods gradually leads to weight loss. This increases protein and healthy fat intake, replacing refined carbohydrates with unprocessed options. However, Anastasia's obesity might require more than simple nutritional adjustments.

Anastasia, curious, asked, "What do you mean?"

"Let me take your pulse. Then I can tell you, Ms. Rollins." Austin gave her an alluring gaze.

After hesitating, Anastasia looked down at her wrist, then back at him.

Maria said impatiently, "Tasia, let Mr. Fike try. It won't hurt you, will it?" She reached for her niece's wrist. Anastasia, however, put her hand behind her back and lifted her chin.

"Must I? I don't want to!"

"Hey, you..." Maria, thwarted, stopped short, realizing she was no match for Anastasia's size and strength.

Austin remained calm. A half-smile played on his lips. "You don't want to, or you don't dare?"

"Are you joking? Why wouldn't I dare?" Anastasia chuckled mockingly. "Don't think you can goad me!"

"You consider Lily a good friend, and you worry she'll lose face if I cure you. You're afraid I'm right and she's wrong, so you'd rather protect her reputation at the cost of your health."

Maria tried to sound concerned. "Tasia, don't be silly! We're talking about your health. Lily's a perfumer; she knows nothing about curing diseases! Even if she means well, she's not a professional. Let Mr. Fike take your pulse. It'll only help!"

"How about giving it a try?" Austin smiled, extending a hand.