:root{
    /* ---- classic ICAI-style institutional palette: navy + white + grey ---- */
    --ink:#0E2A47;
    --ink-deep:#081B2E;
    --green:#235E9C;       /* was deep green — now a clear institutional accent blue */
    --green-deep:#0F3057;  /* was deep green — now a secondary deep navy for section bands */
    --brass:#7E97B3;       /* was gold — now a muted steel-blue accent */
    --brass-light:#C9D9E8; /* was light gold — now a light steel-blue for text on dark navy */
    --brass-deep:#3F5972;  /* was dark gold — now a dark slate-blue for small accents */
    --paper:#F4F6F8;       /* was cream — now a near-white cool grey */
    --paper-line:#DCE3EA;  /* was tan — now a light grey-blue border */
    --paper-rgb:244,246,248;
    --charcoal:#1F2937;    /* was warm near-black — now a cool slate for body text */
    --charcoal-soft:#5B6472;/* was warm grey — now a cool grey for secondary text */
    --white:#FFFFFF;
    --shadow: 0 20px 50px -20px rgba(14,42,71,0.45);
    --serif: 'Newsreader', Georgia, serif;
    --sans: 'IBM Plex Sans', -apple-system, sans-serif;
    --mono: 'IBM Plex Mono', 'Courier New', monospace;
    /* ---- "how it works" step tokens (previously undefined — now wired to the palette) ---- */
    --bg: var(--paper);
    --card: var(--white);
    --line: var(--paper-line);
    --radius: 10px;
    --primary: var(--green);
    --muted: var(--charcoal-soft);
    --head: var(--sans);
    --amber: var(--brass);
  }
  *{box-sizing:border-box; margin:0; padding:0;}
  html{scroll-behavior:smooth;}
  body{
    font-family:var(--sans);
    color:var(--charcoal);
    background:var(--paper);
    line-height:1.6;
    -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;
    overflow-x:hidden;
  }
  img,svg{display:block; max-width:100%;}
  a{color:inherit; text-decoration:none;}
  ul{list-style:none;}
  .wrap{max-width:1180px; margin:0 auto; padding:0 32px;}
  @media (max-width:640px){ .wrap{padding:0 20px;} }

  .eyebrow{
    font-family:var(--mono);
    font-size:12.5px;
    letter-spacing:0.14em;
    text-transform:uppercase;
    color:var(--brass);
    font-weight:500;
  }
  h1,h2,h3{font-family:var(--serif); font-weight:500; color:var(--ink); letter-spacing:-0.01em;}
  .accent-i{font-style:italic; color:var(--green);}

  /* ---------- reveal on scroll ---------- */
  .reveal{opacity:0; transform:translateY(28px); transition:opacity .8s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1), transform .8s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1);}
  .reveal.in{opacity:1; transform:translateY(0);}
  @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){
    .reveal{opacity:1; transform:none; transition:none;}
    html{scroll-behavior:auto;}
  }

  /* ---------- header ---------- */
  header{
    position:sticky; top:0; z-index:100;
    background:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.92);
    backdrop-filter:blur(10px);
    border-bottom:1px solid var(--paper-line);
    transition:box-shadow .3s ease, background .3s ease;
  }
  header.scrolled{box-shadow:0 8px 24px -16px rgba(14,42,71,0.25);}
  .nav{display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:space-between; padding:16px 32px;}
  .brand{display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; font-family:var(--serif); font-size:19px; color:var(--ink); font-weight:500;}
  .brand-mark{
    width:38px; height:38px; border-radius:50%; background:var(--ink);
    display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; flex-shrink:0;
  }
  .brand-mark span{font-family:var(--serif); color:var(--paper); font-size:15px; font-style:italic;}
  .brand small{display:block; font-family:var(--mono); font-size:10px; letter-spacing:.1em; color:var(--charcoal-soft); font-weight:400; text-transform:uppercase; margin-top:1px;}
  nav.links{display:flex; align-items:center; gap:34px;}
  nav.links a{
    font-size:14.5px; font-weight:500; color:var(--charcoal); position:relative; padding:4px 0;
  }
  nav.links a::after{
    content:''; position:absolute; left:0; bottom:0; width:0; height:1.5px; background:var(--brass);
    transition:width .25s ease;
  }
  nav.links a:hover::after{width:100%;}
  .btn{
    display:inline-flex; align-items:center; gap:8px;
    font-family:var(--sans); font-weight:600; font-size:14px;
    padding:11px 22px; border-radius:3px; border:1px solid var(--ink);
    background:var(--ink); color:var(--paper);
    transition:transform .2s ease, box-shadow .2s ease, background .2s ease;
    white-space:nowrap;
  }
  .btn:hover{transform:translateY(-2px); box-shadow:var(--shadow); background:var(--ink-deep);}
  .btn.ghost{background:transparent; color:var(--ink); border-color:var(--ink);}
  .btn.ghost:hover{background:var(--ink); color:var(--paper);}
  .btn.brass{background:var(--brass); border-color:var(--brass); color:var(--ink-deep);}
  .btn.brass:hover{background:var(--brass-light); border-color:var(--brass-light);}
  .btn svg{width:17px; height:17px; flex-shrink:0;}

  .burger{display:none; flex-direction:column; gap:5px; background:none; border:none; cursor:pointer; padding:8px;}
  .burger span{width:24px; height:2px; background:var(--ink); display:block; transition:.3s;}

  /* ---------- hero ---------- */
  .hero{
    position:relative; padding:96px 0 64px;
    background-color:var(--ink);
    background-image:
      radial-gradient(ellipse at 82% 18%, rgba(201,217,232,0.10), transparent 55%);
    overflow:hidden;
  }
  @media (max-width:900px){ .hero::before{display:none;} }
  .hero-grid{display:grid; grid-template-columns:1.15fr 0.85fr; gap:60px; align-items:center;}
  @media (max-width:900px){ .hero-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr; gap:48px;} }
  .hero .eyebrow{color:var(--brass-light);}
  .hero h1{font-size:clamp(34px, 5vw, 58px); line-height:1.08; margin:18px 0 22px; color:var(--paper);}
  .hero .accent-i{color:var(--brass-light);}
  .hero p.lead{font-size:17px; color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.78); max-width:480px; margin-bottom:32px;}
  .hero-ctas{display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:14px; margin-bottom:36px;}
  .hero-ctas .btn{background:var(--brass); border-color:var(--brass); color:var(--ink-deep);}
  .hero-ctas .btn:hover{background:var(--brass-light); border-color:var(--brass-light);}
  .hero-ctas .btn.ghost{background:transparent; border-color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.5); color:var(--paper);}
  .hero-ctas .btn.ghost:hover{background:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.1); border-color:var(--paper);}
  .hero-meta{
    display:flex; gap:28px; flex-wrap:wrap; font-family:var(--mono); font-size:12.5px; color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.6);
  }
  .hero-meta div span{display:block; color:var(--paper); font-weight:600; font-size:13.5px; margin-top:3px;}

  /* seal */
  .seal-wrap{display:flex; justify-content:center; align-items:center; position:relative;}
  .seal{
    width:min(280px, 70vw); height:min(280px, 70vw);
    animation:stamp 1.1s cubic-bezier(.16,1.36,.42,1) both;
    animation-delay:.2s;
  }
  @keyframes stamp{
    0%{opacity:0; transform:scale(1.6) rotate(-14deg);}
    60%{opacity:1; transform:scale(0.96) rotate(2deg);}
    100%{opacity:1; transform:scale(1) rotate(-6deg);}
  }
  @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){ .seal{animation:none; transform:rotate(-6deg); opacity:1;} }

  .hero-photo{
    width:min(480px, 90%); border-radius:20px; object-fit:cover; aspect-ratio:7/6;
    border:2px solid rgba(201,217,232,0.35);
    box-shadow:0 30px 60px -20px rgba(0,0,0,0.55);
    animation:photoIn 1s cubic-bezier(.2,.8,.2,1) both;
    animation-delay:.15s;
  }
  @keyframes photoIn{
    0%{opacity:0; transform:translateY(24px) scale(0.98);}
    100%{opacity:1; transform:translateY(0) scale(1);}
  }
  @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){ .hero-photo{animation:none; opacity:1; transform:none;} }

  /* ---------- ledger strip ---------- */
  .strip{background:var(--brass); color:var(--ink-deep); padding:26px 0;}
  .strip .wrap{display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr); gap:20px;}
  @media (max-width:800px){ .strip .wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);} }
  .strip .cell{border-left:1px solid rgba(8,27,46,0.22); padding-left:18px;}
  .strip .cell:first-child{border-left:none; padding-left:0;}
  @media (max-width:800px){ .strip .cell{border-left:none; padding-left:0;} }
  .strip .cell label{display:block; font-family:var(--mono); font-size:10.5px; letter-spacing:.12em; text-transform:uppercase; color:var(--ink-deep); opacity:0.65; margin-bottom:6px;}
  .strip .cell strong{font-family:var(--serif); font-weight:600; font-size:16.5px; color:var(--ink-deep);}

  /* ---------- section shell ---------- */
  section{padding:96px 0;}
  .section-head{max-width:640px; margin-bottom:56px;}
  .section-head h2{font-size:clamp(28px,3.6vw,40px); margin-top:14px;}
  .section-head p{color:var(--charcoal-soft); margin-top:14px; font-size:16px;}

  /* ---------- about ---------- */
  .about{background:var(--paper);}
  .about-grid{display:grid; grid-template-columns:0.85fr 1.15fr; gap:64px; align-items:start;}
  @media (max-width:860px){ .about-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;} }
  .avatar{
    width:150px; height:150px; border-radius:50%; background:var(--green);
    display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; margin-bottom:22px;
    box-shadow:var(--shadow);
  }
  .avatar span{font-family:var(--serif); font-style:italic; color:var(--paper); font-size:44px;}
  .about-card h3{font-size:22px; margin-bottom:4px;}
  .about-card .role{font-family:var(--mono); font-size:12.5px; color:var(--brass); letter-spacing:.06em; text-transform:uppercase; margin-bottom:18px; display:block;}
  .about-card p{color:var(--charcoal-soft); font-size:15.5px;}
  .why-list{margin-top:36px; display:grid; gap:0;}
  .why-item{
    display:grid; grid-template-columns:auto 1fr; gap:20px; padding:22px 0; border-top:1px solid var(--paper-line);
  }
  .why-item:last-child{border-bottom:1px solid var(--paper-line);}
  .why-item .num{font-family:var(--mono); font-size:13px; color:var(--brass); padding-top:2px;}
  .why-item h4{font-family:var(--sans); font-size:16px; font-weight:600; color:var(--ink); margin-bottom:6px;}
  .why-item p{color:var(--charcoal-soft); font-size:14.5px;}

  /* ---------- services (ledger rows) ---------- */
  .services{background:var(--green-deep); position:relative;}
  .services .eyebrow{color:var(--brass-light);}
  .services .section-head h2{color:var(--paper);}
  .services .section-head p{color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.68);}
  .ledger{border-top:1px solid rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.35);}
  .ledger-row{
    display:grid; grid-template-columns:70px 1fr 2fr 24px; align-items:center; gap:24px;
    padding:26px 0; border-bottom:1px solid rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.14);
    transition:padding-left .3s ease, background .3s ease;
    cursor:default;
  }
  .ledger-row:hover{padding-left:14px; background:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.05);}
  @media (max-width:760px){
    .ledger-row{grid-template-columns:44px 1fr; row-gap:6px;}
    .ledger-row .desc{grid-column:2/3;}
    .ledger-row .arrow{display:none;}
  }
  .ledger-row .voucher{font-family:var(--mono); font-size:13px; color:var(--brass-light); font-weight:600;}
  .ledger-row h3{font-size:19px; font-weight:500; color:var(--paper);}
  .ledger-row .desc{color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.62); font-size:14.5px;}
  .ledger-row .arrow{color:var(--brass-light); font-size:18px; opacity:0; transform:translateX(-6px); transition:.3s;}
  .ledger-row:hover .arrow{opacity:1; transform:translateX(0);}

  /* ---------- offices ---------- */
  .offices{background:var(--white);}
  .office-grid{display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr; gap:32px;}
  @media (max-width:760px){ .office-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;} }
  .office-card{
    border:1px solid var(--paper-line); border-radius:4px; padding:34px; position:relative;
    background:var(--paper);
  }
  .office-card .tag{
    position:absolute; top:-13px; left:32px; background:var(--ink); color:var(--brass-light);
    font-family:var(--mono); font-size:11px; letter-spacing:.1em; text-transform:uppercase;
    padding:5px 12px; border-radius:2px;
  }
  .office-card h3{font-size:22px; margin:14px 0 16px;}
  .office-card address{font-style:normal; color:var(--charcoal-soft); font-size:15px; margin-bottom:20px; line-height:1.65;}
  .office-card .contact-line{
    display:flex; align-items:center; gap:10px; font-family:var(--mono); font-size:14px; color:var(--ink);
    padding:9px 0; border-top:1px dashed var(--paper-line);
  }
  .office-card .contact-line:first-of-type{border-top:1px solid var(--ink); margin-top:4px;}
  .office-card .contact-line a{transition:color .2s;}
  .office-card .contact-line a:hover{color:var(--green);}
  .map-link{display:inline-flex; align-items:center; gap:6px; margin-top:18px; font-size:13.5px; font-weight:600; color:var(--green);}
  .map-link:hover{text-decoration:underline;}

  /* ---------- contact ---------- */
  .contact{background:var(--ink); color:var(--paper);}
  .contact .section-head h2, .contact .eyebrow{color:var(--paper);}
  .contact .section-head p{color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.72);}
  .contact-grid{display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr); gap:24px;}
  @media (max-width:820px){ .contact-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;} }
  .contact-card{
    border:1px solid rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.18); border-radius:4px; padding:30px;
    transition:border-color .25s ease, transform .25s ease;
  }
  .contact-card:hover{border-color:var(--brass); transform:translateY(-4px);}
  .contact-card .icon{width:34px; height:34px; margin-bottom:18px; color:var(--brass-light);}
  .contact-card h3{color:var(--paper); font-size:18px; margin-bottom:8px;}
  .contact-card p{color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.65); font-size:14px; margin-bottom:18px;}
  .contact-card a.detail{font-family:var(--mono); font-size:14.5px; color:var(--brass-light); font-weight:600;}
  .contact-card a.detail:hover{text-decoration:underline;}

  /* ---------- footer ---------- */
  footer{background:var(--ink-deep); color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.6); padding:52px 0 30px;}
  .footer-top{display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:flex-start; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:32px; padding-bottom:32px; border-bottom:1px solid rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.12);}
  .footer-brand{display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px;}
  .footer-brand .brand-mark{background:var(--brass);}
  .footer-brand .brand-mark span{color:var(--ink-deep);}
  .footer-brand strong{font-family:var(--serif); color:var(--paper); font-size:18px; font-weight:500;}
  .footer-links{display:flex; gap:40px; flex-wrap:wrap;}
  .footer-links h5{font-family:var(--mono); font-size:11px; letter-spacing:.1em; text-transform:uppercase; color:var(--brass-light); margin-bottom:12px;}
  .footer-links a, .footer-links span{display:block; font-size:14px; margin-bottom:8px; color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.7);}
  .footer-links a:hover{color:var(--paper);}
  .footer-bottom{display:flex; justify-content:space-between; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:12px; padding-top:24px; font-size:12.5px; font-family:var(--mono);}

  /* skip link / focus visibility */
  a:focus-visible, button:focus-visible{outline:2px solid var(--brass); outline-offset:3px;}

  @media (max-width:900px){
    nav.links{
      position:fixed; top:70px; right:0; left:0; background:var(--paper);
      flex-direction:column; align-items:flex-start; gap:0; padding:12px 32px 24px;
      border-bottom:1px solid var(--paper-line); box-shadow:0 16px 24px -20px rgba(14,42,71,.3);
      transform:translateY(-8px); opacity:0; pointer-events:none; transition:.25s ease;
    }
    nav.links.open{transform:translateY(0); opacity:1; pointer-events:auto;}
    nav.links a{padding:12px 0; width:100%; border-bottom:1px solid var(--paper-line);}
    nav.links .btn{margin-top:14px;}
    .burger{display:flex;}
  }

  /* ================= UPLOAD PAGE ================= */

  /* ---------- page hero (smaller banner variant of .hero) ---------- */
  .page-hero{
    position:relative; padding:88px 0 60px; overflow:hidden;
    background-color:var(--ink);
    background-image:
      repeating-linear-gradient(to bottom, transparent, transparent 37px, rgba(201,217,232,0.10) 38px),
      radial-gradient(ellipse at 85% 15%, rgba(201,217,232,0.10), transparent 55%);
  }
  .page-hero .eyebrow{color:var(--brass-light);}
  .page-hero h1{color:var(--paper); font-size:clamp(30px,4.4vw,46px); line-height:1.12; margin:14px 0 16px;}
  .page-hero p.lead{color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.78); max-width:580px; font-size:16.5px; margin-bottom:36px;}
  .trust-chips{display:flex; gap:30px; flex-wrap:wrap;}
  .trust-chip{display:flex; align-items:center; gap:13px;}
  .trust-chip .dot{
    width:40px; height:40px; border-radius:50%; flex-shrink:0;
    background:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.06); border:1px solid rgba(201,217,232,0.4);
    display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;
  }
  .trust-chip .dot svg{width:18px; height:18px; color:var(--brass-light);}
  .trust-chip strong{display:block; font-family:var(--sans); font-weight:600; font-size:13.5px; color:var(--paper);}
  .trust-chip span{font-family:var(--mono); font-size:11.5px; color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.65);}

  /* ---------- upload form section ---------- */
  .upload-section{background:var(--paper); padding:90px 0;}
  .form-shell{display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr; justify-items:center;}
  @media (max-width:900px){ .form-shell{grid-template-columns:1fr;} }

  .form-card{background:var(--white); border:1px solid var(--paper-line); border-radius:6px; padding:40px; box-shadow:var(--shadow);}
  @media (max-width:560px){ .form-card{padding:28px 22px;} }
  .form-card h2{font-size:23px; margin-bottom:6px;}
  .form-card > p.sub{color:var(--charcoal-soft); font-size:14.5px; margin-bottom:30px;}

  .field-grid{display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr; gap:20px;}
  @media (max-width:560px){ .field-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;} }
  .field{margin-bottom:20px;}
  .field label{display:block; font-family:var(--mono); font-size:11px; letter-spacing:.07em; text-transform:uppercase; color:var(--charcoal-soft); margin-bottom:8px;}
  .field label .req{color:var(--brass-deep);}
  .field input, .field select, .field textarea{
    width:100%; font-family:var(--sans); font-size:15px; color:var(--charcoal);
    border:1px solid var(--paper-line); border-radius:4px; padding:12px 14px; background:var(--paper);
    transition:border-color .2s ease, box-shadow .2s ease, background .2s ease;
  }
  .field select{cursor:pointer;}
  .field input:focus, .field select:focus, .field textarea:focus{
    outline:none; border-color:var(--brass); box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(126,151,179,0.18); background:var(--white);
  }
  .field textarea{resize:vertical; min-height:90px;}

  .dropzone{
    border:1.5px dashed var(--paper-line); border-radius:6px; padding:34px 20px; text-align:center;
    background:var(--paper); cursor:pointer; transition:border-color .2s ease, background .2s ease;
  }
  .dropzone.dragover{border-color:var(--brass); background:rgba(126,151,179,0.09);}
  .dropzone svg{width:32px; height:32px; color:var(--brass); margin:0 auto 14px;}
  .dropzone p{font-size:14.5px; color:var(--charcoal-soft);}
  .dropzone .browse{color:var(--green); font-weight:600; text-decoration:underline;}
  .dropzone .hint{font-family:var(--mono); font-size:11px; color:var(--charcoal-soft); opacity:.7; margin-top:10px;}

  .file-list{margin-top:14px; display:grid; gap:8px;}
  .file-item{
    display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:space-between; gap:12px;
    background:var(--paper); border:1px solid var(--paper-line); border-radius:4px; padding:10px 14px;
    font-family:var(--mono); font-size:12.5px; color:var(--charcoal);
  }
  .file-item .remove{color:var(--brass-deep); cursor:pointer; font-weight:700; padding:0 6px; background:none; border:none; font-size:15px;}
  .file-item .remove:hover{color:#a33;}
  .file-empty{font-family:var(--mono); font-size:12px; color:var(--charcoal-soft); opacity:.7; margin-top:12px;}

  .submit-row{margin-top:28px;}
  .submit-row .btn{width:100%; justify-content:center; padding:14px 22px; font-size:15px;}
  .form-note{text-align:center; font-family:var(--mono); font-size:11.5px; color:var(--charcoal-soft); margin-top:14px;}

  .form-aside{display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap:20px;}
  .aside-card{background:var(--green-deep); color:var(--paper); border-radius:6px; padding:28px;}
  .aside-card h3{color:var(--paper); font-size:16px; margin-bottom:14px;}
  .aside-card ol{padding-left:18px; display:grid; gap:10px;}
  .aside-card li{font-size:13.5px; color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.78);}
  .aside-card li::marker{color:var(--brass-light); font-weight:700;}
  .aside-note{background:var(--ink); color:var(--paper); border-radius:6px; padding:24px;}
  .aside-note p{font-size:13.5px; color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.75); line-height:1.65;}
  .aside-note strong{color:var(--brass-light);}

  /* ---------- accepted documents ---------- */
  .docs-section{background:var(--white); padding:90px 0;}
  .doc-grid{display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr); gap:18px;}
  @media (max-width:900px){ .doc-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);} }
  @media (max-width:520px){ .doc-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;} }
  .doc-card{border:1px solid var(--paper-line); background:var(--paper); border-radius:4px; padding:24px;}
  .doc-card .icon{width:28px; height:28px; color:var(--green); margin-bottom:14px;}
  .doc-card h4{font-family:var(--sans); font-weight:600; font-size:15px; color:var(--ink); margin-bottom:6px;}
  .doc-card p{font-size:13px; color:var(--charcoal-soft);}

  /* ---------- privacy / security ---------- */
  .security-section{background:var(--ink); color:var(--paper); padding:90px 0;}
  .security-section .eyebrow{color:var(--brass-light);}
  .security-section .section-head h2{color:var(--paper);}
  .security-section .section-head p{color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.72);}
  .security-grid{display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr); gap:16px; max-width:760px;}
  @media (max-width:640px){ .security-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;} }
  .security-item{display:flex; align-items:center; gap:13px; padding:17px 18px; border:1px solid rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.16); border-radius:4px;}
  .security-item svg{width:19px; height:19px; color:var(--brass-light); flex-shrink:0;}
  .security-item span{font-size:14px; color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.9);}

  /* ---------- how it works ---------- */
  .steps-section{background:var(--bg); padding:84px 0;}
  .steps-grid{position:relative; display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr); gap:22px;}
  /* connecting line running across the row on desktop */
  .steps-grid::before{
    content:''; position:absolute; top:47px; left:12%; right:12%; height:2px;
    background:repeating-linear-gradient(90deg, var(--line) 0 8px, transparent 8px 16px);
    z-index:0;
  }
  @media (max-width:860px){
    .steps-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);}
    .steps-grid::before{display:none;}
  }
  @media (max-width:520px){ .steps-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;} }
  .step{
    position:relative; z-index:1;
    background:var(--card); border:1.5px solid var(--line); border-radius:var(--radius);
    padding:28px 22px 24px; text-align:center;
    transition:transform .25s ease, box-shadow .25s ease, border-color .25s ease;
  }
  .step::before{
    content:''; position:absolute; top:-1.5px; left:24px; right:24px; height:3px; border-radius:0 0 4px 4px;
    background:var(--amber); opacity:0; transition:opacity .25s ease;
  }
  .step:hover{transform:translateY(-5px); box-shadow:var(--shadow); border-color:rgba(35,94,156,0.35);}
  .step:hover::before{opacity:1;}
  .step .num{
    width:52px; height:52px; border-radius:50%; margin:0 auto 16px;
    background:#fff; color:var(--primary);
    border:2px solid var(--primary); box-shadow:0 0 0 5px rgba(35,94,156,0.08);
    font-family:var(--head); font-weight:700; font-size:18px;
    display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;
    transition:background .25s ease, color .25s ease, box-shadow .25s ease;
  }
  .step:hover .num{
    background:var(--primary); color:#fff; box-shadow:0 0 0 5px rgba(35,94,156,0.15);
  }
  .step h4{font-size:16px; font-weight:600; margin-bottom:7px;}
  .step p{font-size:13px; color:var(--muted);}

  /* ---------- help band ---------- */
  .help-band{background:var(--white); color:var(--ink-deep); padding:64px 0; text-align:center;}
  .help-band h2{color:var(--ink-deep); font-size:clamp(24px,3vw,32px); margin-bottom:10px;}
  .help-band p{color:rgba(8,27,46,0.75); margin-bottom:28px; font-size:15.5px;}
  .help-actions{display:flex; gap:14px; justify-content:center; flex-wrap:wrap;}
  .help-actions .btn{background:var(--ink); border-color:var(--ink); color:var(--paper);}
  .help-actions .btn:hover{background:var(--ink-deep); border-color:var(--ink-deep);}
  .help-actions .btn.ghost{background:transparent; border-color:rgba(8,27,46,0.5); color:var(--ink-deep);}
  .help-actions .btn.ghost:hover{background:var(--ink-deep); color:var(--paper); border-color:var(--ink-deep);}

  /* ================= INTERACTIVE UPGRADE ================= */

  /* ---------- toast notifications ---------- */
  .toast-stack{
    position:fixed; bottom:24px; left:50%; transform:translateX(-50%); z-index:400;
    display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap:10px; width:min(440px, calc(100vw - 32px));
    pointer-events:none;
  }
  .toast{
    pointer-events:auto;
    display:flex; gap:12px; align-items:flex-start;
    background:var(--ink); color:var(--paper);
    padding:14px 16px; border-radius:6px;
    box-shadow:0 18px 40px -12px rgba(8,27,46,0.5);
    font-size:14px; line-height:1.5;
    border-left:3px solid var(--brass-light);
    animation:toastIn .35s cubic-bezier(.2,.9,.3,1) both;
  }
  .toast.success{border-left-color:#4CBB88;}
  .toast.error{border-left-color:#E06A50;}
  .toast .t-icon{flex-shrink:0; width:18px; height:18px; margin-top:2px; color:var(--brass-light);}
  .toast.success .t-icon{color:#4CBB88;}
  .toast.error .t-icon{color:#E06A50;}
  .toast .t-close{
    margin-left:auto; flex-shrink:0; background:none; border:none; cursor:pointer;
    color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.55); font-size:16px; line-height:1; padding:2px 4px;
  }
  .toast .t-close:hover{color:var(--paper);}
  .toast.out{animation:toastOut .3s ease both;}
  @keyframes toastIn{from{opacity:0; transform:translateY(14px) scale(.97);} to{opacity:1; transform:none;}}
  @keyframes toastOut{from{opacity:1;} to{opacity:0; transform:translateY(10px);}}

  /* ---------- inline field validation ---------- */
  .field .err-msg{
    display:none; font-size:12.5px; color:#B3402A; margin-top:7px;
    font-family:var(--sans); font-weight:500;
  }
  .field.invalid .err-msg{display:flex; align-items:center; gap:6px;}
  .field.invalid input, .field.invalid select, .field.invalid textarea{
    border-color:#C4523C; box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(179,64,42,0.12); background:var(--white);
  }
  .field.valid input, .field.valid select{border-color:#3E8E68;}
  .field{position:relative;}
  .field .ok-tick{
    display:none; position:absolute; right:12px; top:38px;
    width:18px; height:18px; color:#2E7D5B; pointer-events:none;
  }
  .field.valid .ok-tick{display:block;}
  @keyframes shake{
    10%,90%{transform:translateX(-1px);} 20%,80%{transform:translateX(2px);}
    30%,50%,70%{transform:translateX(-4px);} 40%,60%{transform:translateX(4px);}
  }
  .shake{animation:shake .5s ease;}

  /* ---------- form completion meter ---------- */
  .form-progress{display:flex; align-items:center; gap:14px; margin-bottom:28px;}
  .form-progress .bar{flex:1; height:6px; background:var(--paper-line); border-radius:99px; overflow:hidden;}
  .form-progress .fill{height:100%; width:0%; background:var(--brass); border-radius:99px; transition:width .45s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1), background .3s;}
  .form-progress.done .fill{background:#2E7D5B;}
  .form-progress .pct{font-family:var(--mono); font-size:11.5px; color:var(--charcoal-soft); white-space:nowrap;}

  /* ---------- file list upgrades ---------- */
  .file-item{padding:9px 12px;}
  .file-item .f-left{display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; min-width:0;}
  .file-item .thumb{
    width:40px; height:40px; border-radius:4px; object-fit:cover; flex-shrink:0;
    border:1px solid var(--paper-line); background:var(--white);
  }
  .file-item .ficon{
    width:40px; height:40px; border-radius:4px; flex-shrink:0;
    background:var(--ink); color:var(--brass-light);
    display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;
    font-family:var(--mono); font-size:9.5px; font-weight:600; letter-spacing:.05em;
  }
  .file-item .f-meta{min-width:0;}
  .file-item .f-name{
    display:block; font-weight:600; white-space:nowrap; overflow:hidden; text-overflow:ellipsis; max-width:280px;
  }
  .file-item .f-size{display:block; opacity:.65; font-size:11px; margin-top:1px;}
  .size-meter{margin-top:14px;}
  .size-meter .sm-row{display:flex; justify-content:space-between; font-family:var(--mono); font-size:11px; color:var(--charcoal-soft); margin-bottom:6px;}
  .size-meter .sm-bar{height:6px; background:var(--paper-line); border-radius:99px; overflow:hidden;}
  .size-meter .sm-fill{height:100%; width:0%; background:var(--green); border-radius:99px; transition:width .35s ease, background .3s ease;}
  .size-meter.warn .sm-fill{background:#C2801F;}
  .size-meter.over .sm-fill{background:#B3402A;}

  /* ---------- button loading state ---------- */
  .btn .spinner{
    width:16px; height:16px; border-radius:50%; flex-shrink:0;
    border:2px solid rgba(8,27,46,0.25); border-top-color:var(--ink-deep);
    animation:spin .7s linear infinite;
  }
  .btn.ghost .spinner{border-color:rgba(14,42,71,0.25); border-top-color:var(--ink);}
  @keyframes spin{to{transform:rotate(360deg);}}
  .btn[disabled]{opacity:.65; cursor:not-allowed; transform:none !important; box-shadow:none !important;}

  /* ---------- success panel ---------- */
  .success-panel{text-align:center; padding:26px 8px 8px;}
  .success-panel .check{
    width:72px; height:72px; border-radius:50%; margin:0 auto 22px;
    background:rgba(35,94,156,0.1); border:1.5px solid var(--green);
    display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;
    animation:popIn .5s cubic-bezier(.2,1.4,.4,1) both;
  }
  .success-panel .check svg{width:32px; height:32px; color:var(--green);}
  .success-panel .check svg path{
    stroke-dasharray:30; stroke-dashoffset:30; animation:draw .5s ease .3s forwards;
  }
  @keyframes popIn{from{opacity:0; transform:scale(.5);} to{opacity:1; transform:scale(1);}}
  @keyframes draw{to{stroke-dashoffset:0;}}
  .success-panel h3{font-size:24px; margin-bottom:8px;}
  .success-panel p{color:var(--charcoal-soft); font-size:14.5px; max-width:400px; margin:0 auto 8px;}
  .success-panel .ref{
    display:inline-block; margin:16px 0 24px; font-family:var(--mono); font-size:13px;
    background:var(--paper); border:1px dashed var(--brass); border-radius:4px;
    padding:9px 18px; color:var(--ink); letter-spacing:.04em;
  }
  .success-panel .again{margin-top:6px;}

  /* ---------- WhatsApp button flavour ---------- */
  .btn.wa{border-color:#1F7A53; color:#1F7A53;}
  .btn.wa:hover{background:#1F7A53; color:var(--white);}
  .btn.wa svg{width:17px; height:17px;}

  /* ---------- ledger rows: expandable ---------- */
  .ledger-row{cursor:pointer; grid-template-rows:auto;}
  .ledger-row .arrow{transition:transform .35s ease, opacity .3s ease;}
  .ledger-row.open{background:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.05); padding-left:14px;}
  .ledger-row.open .arrow{opacity:1; transform:rotate(90deg);}
  .ledger-more{
    grid-column:1/-1; max-height:0; overflow:hidden; opacity:0;
    transition:max-height .45s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1), opacity .35s ease, margin .35s ease;
  }
  .ledger-row.open .ledger-more{opacity:1; margin-top:6px;}
  .ledger-more-inner{padding:4px 0 10px;}
  .ledger-more ul{display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:8px; margin-bottom:16px;}
  .ledger-more li{
    font-family:var(--mono); font-size:11.5px; color:rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.85);
    border:1px solid rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.25); border-radius:99px; padding:5px 13px;
  }
  .ledger-more .btn{font-size:13px; padding:9px 18px;}

  /* ---------- compliance calendar ---------- */
  .duedates{background:var(--paper);}
  .due-grid{display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit, minmax(215px, 1fr)); gap:16px;}
  .due-card{
    border:1px solid var(--paper-line); border-radius:4px; padding:22px; background:var(--white);
    display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap:6px;
    transition:transform .25s ease, box-shadow .25s ease, border-color .25s ease;
  }
  .due-card:hover{transform:translateY(-4px); border-color:var(--brass); box-shadow:0 16px 32px -20px rgba(14,42,71,0.35);}
  .due-card .d-top{display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center; gap:8px; margin-bottom:6px;}
  .due-card .d-label{font-family:var(--mono); font-size:11px; letter-spacing:.08em; text-transform:uppercase; color:var(--charcoal-soft);}
  .due-card .badge{
    font-family:var(--mono); font-size:10.5px; padding:4px 10px; border-radius:99px;
    background:rgba(35,94,156,0.1); color:var(--green); white-space:nowrap;
  }
  .due-card.soon .badge{background:rgba(179,64,42,0.12); color:#A33B27;}
  .due-card .d-date{font-family:var(--serif); font-size:23px; color:var(--ink); font-weight:500;}
  .due-card .d-name{font-size:13.5px; color:var(--charcoal-soft);}
  .due-note{font-family:var(--mono); font-size:11.5px; color:var(--charcoal-soft); opacity:.75; margin-top:22px;}

  /* ---------- FAQ accordion ---------- */
  .faq-section{background:var(--paper);}
  .faq-list{max-width:760px;}
  .faq-item{
    border:1px solid var(--paper-line); border-radius:4px; background:var(--white);
    margin-bottom:12px; overflow:hidden; transition:border-color .25s ease;
  }
  .faq-item.open{border-color:var(--brass);}
  .faq-q{
    width:100%; display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center; gap:16px;
    padding:19px 22px; background:none; border:none; cursor:pointer; text-align:left;
    font-family:var(--sans); font-size:15.5px; font-weight:600; color:var(--ink);
  }
  .faq-q .chev{
    flex-shrink:0; width:26px; height:26px; border-radius:50%;
    border:1px solid var(--paper-line); color:var(--brass-deep);
    display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;
    font-size:16px; font-weight:400; line-height:1;
    transition:transform .35s ease, background .25s ease, color .25s ease;
  }
  .faq-item.open .chev{transform:rotate(45deg); background:var(--brass); color:var(--ink-deep); border-color:var(--brass);}
  .faq-a{max-height:0; overflow:hidden; transition:max-height .4s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1);}
  .faq-a p{padding:0 22px 20px; color:var(--charcoal-soft); font-size:14.5px; max-width:640px;}

   /* ---------- floating WhatsApp button ---------- */
  .wa-float{
    position:fixed; right:22px; bottom:22px; z-index:310;
    width:56px; height:56px; border-radius:50%;
    background:#25D366; color:#fff;
    display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;
    box-shadow:0 16px 34px -10px rgba(8,27,46,0.55);
    transition:transform .25s ease, box-shadow .25s ease;
  }
  .wa-float:hover{transform:translateY(-3px) scale(1.06); box-shadow:0 20px 40px -10px rgba(8,27,46,0.6);}
  .wa-float svg{width:27px; height:27px; position:relative; z-index:1;}
  .wa-float-ring{
    position:absolute; inset:0; border-radius:50%; background:#25D366;
    animation:waPulse 2.4s ease-out infinite;
  }
  @keyframes waPulse{
    0%{transform:scale(1); opacity:0.55;}
    100%{transform:scale(1.9); opacity:0;}
  }
  @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){ .wa-float-ring{animation:none; display:none;} }

  /* ---------- back to top ---------- */
    #toTop{
    position:fixed; right:22px; bottom:90px; z-index:300;
    width:46px; height:46px; border-radius:50%;
    background:var(--ink); color:var(--paper); border:1px solid rgba(var(--paper-rgb),0.2);
    cursor:pointer; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;
    opacity:0; pointer-events:none; transform:translateY(10px);
    transition:opacity .3s ease, transform .3s ease, background .2s ease;
    box-shadow:0 14px 30px -12px rgba(8,27,46,0.5);
  }
  #toTop.show{opacity:1; pointer-events:auto; transform:none;}
  #toTop:hover{background:var(--brass); color:var(--ink-deep);}
  #toTop svg{width:18px; height:18px;}

  @media (max-width:480px){
    .wa-float{right:16px; bottom:16px; width:50px; height:50px;}
    .wa-float svg{width:24px; height:24px;}
    #toTop{right:16px; bottom:76px; width:42px; height:42px;}
  }

  /* ---------- active nav link ---------- */
  nav.links a.active{color:var(--ink);}
  nav.links a.active::after{width:100%;}

  /* ---------- dropzone focus ---------- */
  .dropzone:focus-visible{outline:2px solid var(--brass); outline-offset:3px;}
  .dropzone.has-files{border-style:solid; border-color:rgba(126,151,179,0.55);}