Chapter summaries The Housemaid (The Housemaid #1) Freida McFadden

The Housemaid Chapter 33 Summary: Andrew’s Bribe and Enzo’s Reluctance

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Andrew and Millie drive back from their night together. Millie panics when she realizes she forgot to take out the trash, which Nina had specifically texted her to do. Andrew tries to reassure her and offers to handle it. Once home, Andrew asks Enzo to transport the trash bags to the dump in his truck. Enzo initially refuses despite Andrew’s gestures of payment, but finally accepts $200 after repeated insistence. Andrew then vents to Millie about Enzo, claiming he spends too much time at their house and doesn’t trust him. Millie recalls Enzo’s earlier warning to her about danger and wonders if Andrew knows how suspicious Enzo is of Nina. She decides not to share her concerns.

Key Events

  • The car ride back to the island; Andrew plans to change for a meeting later.
  • Millie realizes she forgot to take out the trash, causing her to panic about Nina’s reaction.
  • Andrew offers to handle the problem and asks Enzo for help.
  • Enzo initially refuses Andrew’s requests and money, but accepts $200 after being bribed.
  • Enzo loads the trash bags into his truck and drives off to the dump.
  • Andrew complains to Millie about Enzo, calling him “that guy” and saying he spends too much time in their yard.
  • Millie recalls Enzo’s whispered Italian word for “danger” on her first day; she decides not to tell Andrew.

Character Development

  • Millie: Shows her growing anxiety about maintaining Nina’s trust. Although she enjoys her time with Andrew, she is acutely aware of the risk of discovery. Her internal conflict between loyalty to Andrew and her own suspicions about Enzo deepens.
  • Andrew: Demonstrates entitlement and a willingness to use money to solve problems. His casual bribery of Enzo reveals his view of people as disposable tools. His irritation with Enzo reflects his controlling nature and jealousy over Enzo’s presence.
  • Enzo: Remains an enigmatic figure. His reluctance to take the bribe and his silent disapproval of Millie’s involvement with Andrew suggest he knows more than he lets on. His earlier warning about danger now carries greater weight.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Secrecy and Guilt: The forgotten trash becomes a symbol of Millie’s negligence and the mounting evidence of her affair. Her panic shows how even a small oversight could unravel her position in the household.
  • Power and Bribery: Andrew’s repeated offers of money to overcome Enzo’s refusal highlight class and power dynamics. He assumes everyone has a price, revealing his privilege and dismissiveness toward those he considers beneath him.
  • The Gaze of the Gardener: Enzo’s role as a silent observer is reinforced. He witnessed Millie returning with Andrew and showed his disapproval through a head shake. His quiet watchfulness makes him a potential threat to the affair.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 33 deepens the tension around the affair and introduces a new vulnerability—Millie’s forgotten chore. It also elevates Enzo from a background character to a key witness whose silence (or future actions) could alter the plot. Andrew’s open dislike of Enzo, coupled with Millie’s memory of his warning, sets the stage for Enzo to become either an ally or a saboteur. This chapter underscores the fragile web of secrets that Millie and Andrew have built and hints that Enzo may be the one to tear it apart.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. Why does Millie panic so much about forgetting to take out the trash?
    Millie fears Nina will notice the neglected chore and suspect something is wrong. Since Nina specifically asked her to do it, failing to comply could raise questions about Millie’s whereabouts and reliability, endangering her job and exposing the affair.

  2. What does Andrew’s method of handling Enzo reveal about his character?
    Andrew immediately turns to bribery, offering increasing sums until Enzo accepts. This shows Andrew believes money can solve any problem and that people like Enzo are motivated only by greed. It also reflects his entitlement and lack of respect for others.

  3. Why does Millie choose not to tell Andrew about Enzo’s earlier warning?
    Millie likely wants to avoid conflict with Andrew and does not fully understand Enzo’s motives. She may also fear that revealing Enzo’s distrust of Nina could complicate her own position, especially if Andrew dismisses her concerns as she expects.

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