Cover of The Housemaid's Secret

The Housemaid's Secret

by Freida McFadden


Genre
Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Crime
Year
2023
Contents

Chapter 18

Overview

Millie prepares to move in with Brock to escape Xavier, but her anxiety about her hidden past and dependence on Brock makes her hesitate. Outside her building, she watches Xavier get arrested after police find heroin in his apartment and he attempts a futile escape.

With Xavier likely gone for a while, Millie abruptly decides she no longer needs to move, which strains her relationship with Brock. The chapter underscores Millie’s fear that Brock will discover she is Wilhelmina and learn the truth she is still avoiding.

Summary

Millie packs her belongings to move out of her Bronx apartment and into Brock’s two-bedroom Upper West Side place, largely because she refuses to stay in the same building as Xavier Marin. Although Brock is excited about living together, Millie feels uneasy and guilty because Brock still doesn’t know the truth about her past.

On the drive, Millie reflects that she is still working for the Garricks and convinces herself she may have misread Douglas Garrick’s behavior when she saw him with another woman. Millie decides she can’t afford to quit a well-paying job and doesn’t want to become financially dependent on Brock, especially if he later discovers her history and leaves her.

When they reach Millie’s building, they see police lights out front, and Millie panics that the police might be there for her. She urges Brock to leave, but he insists they stay and get her things.

An officer then escorts a handcuffed man out of the building, and Millie recognizes Xavier by the scar above his eyebrow. Xavier protests that the heroin found in his apartment isn’t his, then tries to run despite being cuffed, only to be tackled and restrained.

Relieved, Millie blurts out that she no longer has to move since Xavier won’t be living there. Brock reacts with hurt and suspicion, questioning whether Millie truly wants to live with him. Millie apologizes and claims she needs her own space, privately realizing she has only bought time before Brock learns her real name, Wilhelmina, and the rest of her past.

Who Appears

  • Millie Calloway (Wilhelmina)
    Plans to move, witnesses Xavier’s arrest, backs out of moving in with Brock, fears past exposure.
  • Brock
    Drives Millie to move; excited to live together; reacts coldly when she changes her mind.
  • Xavier Marin
    Neighbor who assaulted Millie; arrested after heroin is found in his apartment; attempts to flee.
  • Douglas Garrick
    Millie’s employer; mentioned as possibly having a mistress; Millie decides not to quit yet.
  • Police officer
    Leads Xavier out in cuffs, dismisses his denial, tackles him after he tries to run.
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