diff --git a/evolution/lightning_client.py b/evolution/lightning_client.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..42e0033
--- /dev/null
+++ b/evolution/lightning_client.py
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+"""Phase 22: Lightning Network Integration.
+
+Manages Lightning channels and payments for low-latency, sovereign transactions.
+"""
+
+import logging
+import json
+from typing import List, Dict, Any
+from agent.gemini_adapter import GeminiAdapter
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+class LightningClient:
+    def __init__(self):
+        # In a real implementation, this would interface with LND, Core Lightning, or Greenlight
+        self.adapter = GeminiAdapter()
+
+    def plan_payment_route(self, destination: str, amount_sats: int) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """Plans an optimal payment route through the Lightning Network."""
+        logger.info(f"Planning Lightning payment of {amount_sats} sats to {destination}.")
+        
+        prompt = f"""
+Destination: {destination}
+Amount: {amount_sats} sats
+
+Please simulate an optimal payment route through the Lightning Network.
+Identify potential bottlenecks, fee estimates, and privacy-preserving routing strategies.
+Generate a 'Lightning Execution Plan'.
+
+Format the output as JSON:
+{{
+  "destination": "{destination}",
+  "amount_sats": {amount_sats},
+  "route_plan": [...],
+  "fee_estimate_sats": "...",
+  "privacy_score": "...",
+  "execution_directives": [...]
+}}
+"""
+        result = self.adapter.generate(
+            model="gemini-3.1-pro-preview",
+            prompt=prompt,
+            system_instruction="You are Timmy's Lightning Client. Your goal is to ensure Timmy's transactions are fast, cheap, and private.",
+            thinking=True,
+            response_mime_type="application/json"
+        )
+        
+        route_data = json.loads(result["text"])
+        return route_data