"Mr. Mania, I don't want to negligent your feelings, but I have to ask." Madam Zoe shoved her microphone in Mastermania's face and asked while glaring at Felix in irritation, "What was your first thought after your polite handshake was rejected in an ungentlemanly manner."
From her aggressive actions and tone, it was clear that she was holding a grudge against Felix. Mastermania did not even mind the way she shoved the mic in his face.
He was too desperate for someone to get him out of this shit hole that Felix put him in without ruining his image. Zoe just did so by her question.
The next chapter will have an explanation about why a passive ability could also be activated.