--- **⚠️ Before submitting your pull request:** 1. [x] I've read [BRANCH_PROTECTION.md](BRANCH_PROTECTION.md) 2. [x] I've followed [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) guidelines 3. [x] My changes have appropriate test coverage 4. [x] I've updated documentation where needed 5. [x] I've verified CI passes (where applicable) **Context:** **Testing:** **Questions for reviewers:**