The Housemaid Is Watching
by Freida McFadden
Contents
Chapter 79
Overview
Two weeks after Suzette Lowell’s confession frees Enzo, Millie’s family finally has a peaceful morning, but the aftermath still shapes every choice. Millie plans to sell the house and seek a fresh start, while she remains fixated on Ada’s role in Jonathan Lowell’s death. Detective Ramirez checks in, reassures Millie about Ada, and reveals he is dating Nina Winchester, signaling life moving forward amid lingering trauma.
Summary
Nearly two weeks after Suzette Lowell confessed to murdering Jonathan Lowell, Millie, Enzo, Ada, and Nico share a calm breakfast at home. With Suzette’s confession, all charges against Enzo were dropped, and the family tries to believe they can heal, though Millie recognizes Nico will need significant therapy.
Enzo talks about the coming end of the school year and proposes a summer trip to get away. Millie privately decides they will sell the house after everything that happened and look for something cheaper, possibly even a full relocation for a fresh start, while the kids excitedly suggest Disneyland.
After rushing Ada and Nico out to catch the school bus, Detective Benny Ramirez arrives in his black Dodge Charger. Millie initially panics at the sight of a police car, but Ramirez assures her he is only stopping by socially to check on them.
Ramirez asks how the children are handling events, and Enzo admits Millie is worried about Ada. Millie struggles with the image of Jonathan’s death and the fact that Ada cut his throat, while Ramirez insists Ada did what she had to do. Enzo blames himself for giving Ada the knife, even as Millie acknowledges the knife likely saved Ada’s life.
Enzo invites Ramirez to dinner, but Ramirez reveals he has a second date with Nina Winchester, set up by Cecelia, and he is clearly hopeful about the relationship. After Ramirez leaves, Millie remains preoccupied by fear for her children, while Enzo urges her to let go and trust that Ada will be fine, even as Millie admits she will keep watching and worrying.
Who Appears
- MillieNarrator; relieved Enzo is free but obsessed with Ada’s killing of Jonathan.
- EnzoMillie’s husband; home after charges dropped; urges moving on and planning a trip.
- AdaMillie’s daughter; her role in Jonathan’s death haunts Millie, though others defend her.
- NicoMillie’s son; enjoys normalcy but is acknowledged to need therapy.
- Detective Benny RamirezChecks in socially; reassures Millie about Ada; reveals he’s dating Nina Winchester.
- Suzette LowellMentioned as having confessed to Jonathan’s murder, which cleared Enzo.
- Jonathan LowellMentioned victim; his death and Ada’s actions remain central to Millie’s anxiety.
- Nina WinchesterRamirez’s new dating interest, set up through Cecelia.
- CeceliaMentioned as arranging Ramirez’s dates with her mother, Nina.