They hid fifteen coins to test my cleaning, but their game put my dignity on trial. Inside that mansion, I followed their instructions until something behind a headboard changed the meaning of the job. By the time the wife asked me to return, those coins were on the table, and I was ready to name my price
The family’s note explained that they had hidden fifteen coins throughout the mansion to check how thoroughly I cleaned. I found every one, stacked them neatly on the kitchen table, and tucked my invoice underneath. Beside the pile, I left a brief response: “All 15 found!” Behind the headboard, I also discovered the husband’s expensive watch, which wasn’t part of their test. I put it safely in a drawer and left another note explaining exactly where he could find it.
When the wife saw the results, she was embarrassed by the coin hunt but asked whether I would return every two weeks. I agreed—with one change: my rate would double. My work had demonstrated my attention to detail, and my handling of the watch spoke for itself. I was willing to keep cleaning their home, but only at a price that made the arrangement worthwhile for me.
