Nico makes Ada swear she will not tell anyone before he reveals what happened at the Lowells’ house after he broke their stained-glass window and began “doing chores” to repay them.

While cleaning, Nico discovered a hidden room under the Lowells’ staircase, identical to the concealed space in Ada’s own home. The room was filled with expensive toys, and Nico began playing with them when he thought no one was watching. Mr. Lowell caught Nico, claimed a broken collectible toy cost thousands, and used the debt—along with the broken window—to pressure Nico into returning.

Mr. Lowell reframed Nico’s visits as “help” for toy-building research, insisting Nico play in the room while a ceiling camera recorded him. Mr. Lowell demanded the door remain closed so Mrs. Lowell would not find out, but one day Nico desperately needed the bathroom and was trapped inside until he wet his pants. Mr. Lowell mocked him and threatened to tell his friends, increasing Nico’s shame and fear.

Even after Mrs. Lowell apparently told Nico’s mother that Nico could not come over anymore, Mr. Lowell privately forced Nico to continue. When Nico tried to refuse, Mr. Lowell escalated from financial threats—claiming he would sue and make the family homeless—to a direct threat to kill Nico’s family if Nico ever told anyone about the room.

Ada comforts Nico but feels anger rather than tears. Although Ada believes they should tell their parents, Nico insists Ada must keep her promise and says he will never trust her again if she breaks it. Ada agrees to stay silent, but after Nico falls asleep, Ada decides Mr. Lowell must be made to understand Nico will never go to the Lowells’ house again.