A few seconds later, a more mature woman hurriedly came out from the back of the store. She moved with a sense of urgency and a somewhat kind grace, her well-tailored suit and composed demeanor immediately giving off an air of authority. The younger attendant from earlier followed closely behind her, balancing a silver tray holding a cup of tea and a neatly arranged croissant.

The woman stopped in front of me, offering a warm but apologetic smile. “Good afternoon, Mrs Caruso,” she said. ...