The Housemaid Is Watching
by Freida McFadden
Contents
Chapter 17
Overview
Millie realizes Ada overheard talk about life insurance and worries Millie is dying, forcing Millie to reassure her without feeding the anxiety. When Millie goes to Nico’s room, Enzo is missing from the bedtime routine. Looking out the window, Millie sees Enzo in Suzette’s backyard talking with her late at night, deepening Millie’s suspicion that Enzo is keeping secrets.
Summary
While putting Ada to bed, Millie is startled when Ada asks if Millie is dying. Ada explains she overheard Millie and Enzo talking and knows about the life insurance.
Millie tries to reassure Ada that the policy is only for unlikely accidents and insists Millie will live a long time. Ada continues to press for a reason, but Millie ends the conversation by urging her to stop worrying and go to sleep, promising to send Enzo in next.
Millie then goes to say good night to Nico and expects to find Enzo there, but Nico is alone in the dark with his praying mantis enclosure near the bed. Millie kisses Nico good night and briefly fixates on the unsettling insect.
Before leaving Nico’s room, Millie looks out the window and spots Enzo outside at around ten o’clock, not in their yard but in Suzette Lowell’s backyard. Enzo is standing close to Suzette and talking with her; nothing overtly romantic happens, but the late hour and secrecy make Millie uneasy and convinced Enzo is hiding something.
Who Appears
- MilliePuts the kids to bed; reassures Ada; spots Enzo with Suzette and grows suspicious.
- AdaAnxious daughter who overhears life-insurance talk and fears Millie is dying.
- EnzoAbsent from bedtime routine; seen late at night talking with Suzette in her backyard.
- NicoSon put to bed alone; keeps a praying mantis by his bed.
- Suzette LowellNeighbor; speaks privately with Enzo outdoors late at night.