The Housemaid Is Watching
by Freida McFadden
Contents
Chapter 69
Overview
Ada’s family goes to the beach hoping for a normal outing, but Nico’s hostility and the Lowells’ presence make it tense. Ada overhears Mrs. Lowell threatening Nico to keep quiet about something, which convinces Ada the Lowells have leverage over her brother. In a burst of anger, Ada pulls Mrs. Lowell underwater, and Enzo saves Mrs. Lowell, escalating the conflict while leaving the secret between Nico and the Lowells unresolved.
Summary
Ada goes with Millie, Enzo, and Nico on a family trip to the beach, even though Ada dislikes the sand. Before they leave, Ada asks Millie what to do when a boy is being mean; Millie advises ignoring bullies for attention and, if that fails, firmly setting boundaries “using your words.”
At the beach, Ada notices Millie seems tense and Nico acts unusually withdrawn. Mr. Lowell greets Ada and Nico, but Nico refuses to respond and later snaps at Ada to mind her own business when she asks why he seems angry at the Lowells.
While swimming, Ada spots Nico talking in the water with Mrs. Lowell. Ada moves closer and overhears Mrs. Lowell warning Nico not to tell anyone and implying he will be in serious trouble; Nico quietly promises he will not.
Angered by the threatening tone, Ada impulsively grabs Mrs. Lowell’s leg underwater and yanks her down. Ada immediately regrets it when Mrs. Lowell struggles to surface, but Enzo rushes in and pulls Mrs. Lowell out, preventing her from drowning.
Who Appears
- AdaNarrator; worries about bullying, overhears threats to Nico, and attacks Mrs. Lowell in anger.
- NicoAda’s brother; acts hostile and is warned by Mrs. Lowell not to tell anyone a secret.
- MillieAda’s mother; gives advice about bullies and seems tense during the beach outing.
- EnzoAda’s father; strong swimmer who rescues Mrs. Lowell after Ada pulls her underwater.
- Mrs. LowellThreatens Nico in the water and is nearly drowned by Ada before being saved.
- Mr. LowellGreets the family at the beach; present during the strained interaction with Nico.