Elena rushed out of the massive pentagon-like building the moment she heard that Mr Andrei was checking the listed buildings for his project. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she waved down the first cab she spotted along the road. Her mind was racing, her chest tightening with every passing second. She didn’t even sit properly before urging the driver to move.

“Please, sir, can you take me to my Bakery? I'll direct you. Please, it’s urgent,” she said, her voice trembling with ...