Chapter 8: Hidden Rage

Zoe’s lips curved into a satisfied smile, the kind that carried pride and a hint of arrogance.

“Alright,” Zoe said casually, unfolding her arms as if she had finally made up her mind. She stretched her hands slightly and rolled her shoulders like someone preparing for something exciting. “I’m going to get changed. No peeking.”

Her voice carried playful authority as she wagged a finger at the men seated on the couch. One after the other, she pointed at them like a teacher warning naughty students.

“Don’t even try it,” she added, narrowing her eyes in mock seriousness.

Martins chuckled and leaned back comfortably on the couch, crossing one leg over the other. Eric rested his elbow on the armrest, shaking his head with a grin.

“Who would want to peek?” Eric said teasingly. “We respect privacy.”

Zoe shot him a playful glare that clearly showed she did not believe him for one second.

The female sales representative, who had been standing politely beside them, stepped forward with a carefully folded dress resting over her arm. She held it out toward Zoe with both hands, maintaining the professional smile she had worn since they arrived.

“Here you go, ma’am.”

Zoe collected the cloth from her with excitement. The fabric looked soft and expensive, and she ran her fingers over it briefly before turning toward the fitting section.

Without another word, she walked toward the changing area where a thick curtain separated the fitting space from the rest of the boutique.

She slipped inside and pulled the curtain closed behind her with a quick movement.

The curtain fell back into place, hiding her completely.

Outside, Martins and Eric immediately leaned forward on the couch, their expressions full of mischief.

Martins slowly bent his head toward the curtain, narrowing his eyes like someone trying to see through solid material.

Eric followed his lead, tilting his head slightly as though he might somehow catch a glimpse from the corner.

Both of them burst into quiet laughter, enjoying the moment like little boys playing a harmless prank.

Pete stood nearby with his hands tucked inside his pockets, watching them with a small smile that carried a mixture of amusement and pride.

Just then, a strange sound came from inside the fitting section.

It was not loud, but it was enough to make everyone pause.

Pete’s brows drew together immediately.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, stepping closer to the curtain.

There was a short pause before Zoe’s voice came from inside.

“I can’t get this zipper up,” she said, her voice sounding strained and slightly frustrated.

A moment later, the curtain shifted slightly and Zoe’s head popped out from the opening.

Her long hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and her expression looked troubled.

One hand held a white wrapper tightly across her chest, covering her breasts while she leaned forward slightly.

Her eyes searched for Pete immediately.

“Help me!” she said urgently, her voice almost sounding like she was about to cry.

Pete swallowed.

His eyes flickered briefly toward his friends.

Martins and Eric had already started laughing again, covering their mouths as if trying not to make the situation worse.

Pete cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders before walking toward the curtain.

But just as he took another step forward, the female sales representative moved quickly.

She stretched her hand out and blocked his path firmly.

“Sir, men aren’t allowed in the women’s fitting rooms,” she said politely but firmly.

Pete paused.

Before he could respond, Zoe’s voice snapped sharply from behind the curtain.

“Hey! I’m not even complaining!” Her head pushed out again, her expression now filled with annoyance. “Who are you to butt in?” Zoe snapped, glaring directly at the sales representative.

The poor woman froze.

Her eyes moved uncertainly between Zoe and Pete.

She clearly looked uncomfortable, caught in a situation she had never expected.

Her hand remained stretched out for a moment before slowly dropping to her side.

Pete didn’t waste any more time.

He brushed past the sales representative quickly and stepped behind the curtain.

The moment he entered, Zoe pulled the curtain closed again without hesitation.

Outside, the section returned to silence.

Martins and Eric exchanged glances, both shaking their heads with amused smiles.

They leaned back again, clearly entertained by the whole situation.

But a short distance away, hidden behind another display section near the door, Petra stood frozen.

Her eyes had widened so much they almost looked unreal.

Her lips parted as a shocked gasp escaped her mouth.

Beside her stood Malcolm.

His fists were clenched tightly at his sides, the veins on his hands clearly visible as anger filled his entire body.

Petra’s shoulders trembled slightly.

Her breathing grew heavier as she continued staring toward the fitting area.

“Petra,” Malcolm called quietly, though his voice carried deep frustration. He turned toward her, his face filled with anger. “How can you tolerate that?” he asked fiercely.

His hand lifted and pointed directly toward the curtain ahead of them.

Petra didn’t answer immediately.

Her eyes remained fixed in that direction as if she was trying to see through the thick fabric.

Her eyes had turned red, and the pain sitting behind them was obvious.

For several seconds, she said nothing.

Then finally she spoke.

“Malcolm…” Her voice came out low and controlled, her gaze remained fixed on the now two enemies of her ahead. “The mall’s CCTV has audio recording, right?”

Malcolm blinked.

He hadn’t expected that question. But he quickly nodded.

“Don’t worry,” he said with confidence. “We have the most advanced setup. Every word they say is recorded.” His voice carried pride as he spoke. “I can give you the footage anytime.”

Petra slowly nodded.

But the anger burning in her eyes did not fade.

If anything, it grew stronger.

Her teeth pressed tightly together as she continued staring toward the curtain.

Inside her chest, her heart was beating heavily, each beat louder than the last. The humiliation she had just witnessed felt like a knife twisting slowly in her heart.

The man she had once protected…

The man she had quietly supported when he had nothing…

That same man was now inside a fitting room with another woman, acting as though she had never existed.

Her fingers curled slowly into tight fists as her nails pressed against her palms, but she didn’t seem to notice the pain.

Her eyes darkened as cold determination slowly replaced the hurt in them.

‘Pete,’ she whispered silently inside her heart. ‘I hope you won’t regret what you did today.’