Chapter 1375

"You're no ordinary fat person," Austin said, shaking his head and narrowing his eyes. "I can tell from your pulse that your obesity isn't caused by anything common. I think you're… poisoned."

"Poisoned?" Maria and Anastasia exclaimed simultaneously, shocked.

Anastasia had consulted numerous doctors and trainers, trying countless methods. Some attributed her obesity to her DNA, others to a lack of self-discipline, and still others to psychological issues, recommending psychiatric help. But no one had ever suggested poisoning.

"No way! It can't be, right?" Maria sputtered, horrified. "How could she be poisoned?"

"That's right!" Anastasia agreed, catching herself. "Even though you're a miracle doctor, you can't just spout nonsense. I've seen many doctors, both conventional and alternative, and none ever said I was poisoned. Are you saying they're all incompetent and couldn't even diagnose poisoning?"

"This is chronic poisoning," Austin explained. "Its toxicity is complex and difficult to detect through the pulse; an ordinary physician wouldn't discover it." He paused, leaving his thoughts unfinished.

Anastasia remained unconvinced. He was the first to suggest poisoning as the cause of her weight gain. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "Since you claim I'm poisoned, what kind of poison is it, and how do I detoxify it?"

"Yes, yes!" Maria nodded eagerly. "Mr. Fike, what kind of poisoning is Tasia suffering from, and how could it happen? She rarely leaves the house and almost never eats out. It's unlikely anyone could poison her, and she certainly couldn't poison herself."

"I'm still uncertain about the cause of the poisoning," Austin admitted. "As for the type of poison, I need to observe you further. I'll give you a prescription; take ten doses first. Then I'll observe the changes in your pulse and make adjustments."

"That's great!" Maria exclaimed. "As long as you can cure her, money is no object!"

"I'm willing to pay anything to get her well," she added, her eagerness evident.

Austin shook his head. "It won't be expensive, but you'll need to watch your diet. There are certain foods to avoid while taking the herbal medicine. I think it's best not to eat out. I'll create a meal plan for you to prepare at home. This will allow me to monitor your progress while avoiding outside foods that might interfere with the medicine's effectiveness."

Anastasia's face fell. She sensed his ulterior motive. "It seems you're not trying to cure me, but to get back at someone. Are you trying to distance me from Lily under the guise of treatment?"

Austin seemed unconcerned. "If you want to see it that way, consider this a contest between Lily and me. If you trust her so much, why don't you let me try?"

"So my health is now a tool for your personal vendetta?" Anastasia retorted coldly, her displeasure evident.