:root{
  --black:#050505;--black2:#0b0b0c;--panel:#101011;--panel2:#171719;
  --gold:#c89a3a;--gold2:#f0c96d;--gold3:#8c6422;--white:#f6f4ef;--muted:#b8b4aa;--line:rgba(210,164,72,.24);
  --silver:#c7c8ca;--max:1180px;
}
*{box-sizing:border-box} html{scroll-behavior:smooth} body{margin:0;background:var(--black);color:var(--white);font-family:Inter,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.6;overflow-x:hidden}
a{color:inherit;text-decoration:none} img{max-width:100%;display:block}.container{width:min(var(--max),calc(100% - 40px));margin:auto}.topline{height:3px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,var(--gold2),transparent)}
.site-header{position:sticky;top:0;z-index:1000;background:rgba(5,5,5,.92);backdrop-filter:blur(14px);border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)}.nav-wrap{min-height:80px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:20px}.brand-mini img{width:200px;height:55px;object-fit:contain;object-position:left center}.main-nav{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:26px;font-size:.88rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase}.main-nav a{color:#ddd;transition:.2s}.main-nav a:hover{color:var(--gold2)}.nav-cta{border:1px solid var(--gold);padding:11px 16px;color:var(--gold2)!important}.menu-toggle{display:none;background:none;color:var(--gold2);border:1px solid var(--line);padding:9px 12px;font-weight:800}
.hero{position:relative;min-height:760px;display:flex;align-items:center;overflow:hidden;background:radial-gradient(circle at 15% 30%,rgba(201,153,57,.11),transparent 30%),linear-gradient(135deg,#050505,#0a0a0a 55%,#111)}.hero:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(5,5,5,.96) 0%,rgba(5,5,5,.83) 47%,rgba(5,5,5,.15) 78%,rgba(5,5,5,.35) 100%);z-index:1}.hero-glow{position:absolute;width:500px;height:500px;border:1px solid rgba(223,178,82,.15);border-radius:50%;right:-140px;top:70px;box-shadow:0 0 120px rgba(197,145,44,.10)}.hero-grid{position:relative;z-index:2;display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.05fr .95fr;gap:58px;align-items:center;padding:90px 0}.eyebrow{color:var(--gold2);font-size:.8rem;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.22em;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 16px}.hero h1,.section-heading h2,.founder-copy h2{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;line-height:1.05;letter-spacing:.01em}.hero h1{font-size:clamp(3rem,6vw,5.75rem);margin:0 0 20px}.hero h1 span,.section-heading h2 span,.founder-copy h2 span{color:var(--gold2)}.hero h2{font-size:1.3rem;margin:0 0 18px;color:#e8e1d2}.hero-copy>p:not(.eyebrow){max-width:650px;color:var(--muted);font-size:1.05rem}.hero-actions,.button-pair{display:flex;gap:12px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:30px 0}.btn{display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:15px 21px;border:1px solid transparent;font-size:.83rem;letter-spacing:.08em;font-weight:800;text-transform:uppercase;transition:.22s;cursor:pointer}.btn-gold{background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--gold2),var(--gold));color:#111}.btn-gold:hover{transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:0 10px 35px rgba(208,158,59,.22)}.btn-outline{border-color:var(--gold);color:var(--gold2);background:transparent}.btn-outline:hover{background:rgba(200,154,58,.08)}.btn.full{width:100%;margin-top:auto}.hero-pills{display:flex;gap:10px;flex-wrap:wrap}.hero-pills span{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;border-bottom:1px solid var(--gold);padding:7px 3px;color:#eee;font-size:.82rem;letter-spacing:.14em}.hero-frame{position:relative;border:1px solid rgba(226,181,89,.42);padding:10px;background:#0b0b0b;box-shadow:0 30px 80px rgba(0,0,0,.55)}.hero-frame img{height:610px;width:100%;object-fit:cover}.hero-caption{position:absolute;left:28px;bottom:28px;background:rgba(6,6,6,.88);border-left:3px solid var(--gold);padding:12px 16px;display:flex;flex-direction:column}.hero-caption strong{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;color:var(--gold2);letter-spacing:.08em}.hero-caption small{color:#ddd}
.section{padding:105px 0;border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.035)}.section-heading{max-width:870px;margin:0 auto 55px}.section-heading.center{text-align:center}.section-heading h2{font-size:clamp(2.1rem,4vw,3.55rem);margin:0 0 15px}.section-heading>p:not(.eyebrow){color:var(--muted)}.companies{background:#080809}.company-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:24px}.company-card{background:linear-gradient(145deg,#0d0d0e,#141415);border:1px solid var(--line);padding:32px;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.company-card:after{content:"";position:absolute;inset:auto -80px -120px auto;width:250px;height:250px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(200,154,58,.06)}.logo-shell{height:185px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;background:#050505;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.04);margin-bottom:25px;overflow:hidden}.logo-shell img{max-height:170px;max-width:92%;object-fit:contain}.elite-logo img{width:92%}.core-logo img{height:100%;width:100%;object-fit:contain}.company-card h3{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:1.55rem;margin:0 0 8px}.company-card p{color:var(--muted)}.company-card .gold-text{color:var(--gold2);font-weight:700}
.paths{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#050505,#090909)}.path-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:22px}.path-card{display:flex;flex-direction:column;min-height:535px;background:linear-gradient(145deg,#0e0e0f,#151516);border:1px solid var(--line);padding:32px;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.path-card.core{border-color:rgba(199,200,202,.22)}.path-card.featured{box-shadow:0 0 0 1px rgba(224,180,82,.18),0 25px 65px rgba(0,0,0,.25)}.popular{position:absolute;right:-48px;top:29px;transform:rotate(35deg);background:var(--gold2);color:#111;font-size:.61rem;font-weight:900;padding:7px 45px;letter-spacing:.08em}.path-top{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center}.step{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:2rem;color:rgba(240,201,109,.25)}.company-tag{font-size:.66rem;letter-spacing:.15em;font-weight:800;color:var(--gold2);border:1px solid var(--line);padding:7px 9px}.company-tag.silver{color:var(--silver);border-color:rgba(199,200,202,.2)}.path-label{color:var(--gold2);font-size:.78rem;letter-spacing:.22em;font-weight:900;margin:22px 0 6px}.path-card h3{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:2rem;margin:0 0 10px}.price{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:3.3rem;color:#fff;line-height:1.1}.price sup{color:var(--gold2);font-size:1.4rem}.price small{font-family:Inter,sans-serif;font-size:.72rem;color:var(--muted);letter-spacing:.03em}.split{color:var(--gold2);font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.13em;font-size:.75rem;margin:11px 0 15px}.path-card ul{padding:0;margin:0 0 25px;list-style:none;color:#c8c4ba}.path-card li{padding:8px 0 8px 22px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.045);position:relative}.path-card li:before{content:"◆";position:absolute;left:0;color:var(--gold);font-size:.6rem;top:12px}.fineprint{color:#777;font-size:.75rem;margin-top:24px}.center-text{text-align:center}
.why{background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 50%,rgba(201,153,57,.07),transparent 38%),#080809}.pillar-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(5,1fr);gap:14px}.pillar{padding:26px 20px;background:#111;border-top:2px solid var(--gold);min-height:240px}.pillar>span{color:rgba(240,201,109,.32);font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:1.8rem}.pillar h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:1rem;margin:20px 0 10px;color:#fff}.pillar p{font-size:.88rem;color:var(--muted)}.manifesto{text-align:center;border:1px solid var(--line);margin-top:35px;padding:40px;background:#0d0d0e}.manifesto p{color:var(--gold2);letter-spacing:.13em;font-weight:900;font-size:.74rem}.manifesto h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:clamp(1.4rem,3vw,2.3rem);margin:5px 0 15px}.manifesto div{color:#ddd;letter-spacing:.08em}.manifesto div span{color:var(--gold2)}
.founder{background:#050505}.founder-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:.85fr 1.15fr;gap:65px;align-items:center}.founder-media{border:1px solid var(--line);padding:10px;background:#101010}.founder-media img{width:100%;max-height:700px;object-fit:cover}.founder-copy h2{font-size:clamp(3rem,6vw,5rem);margin:0}.founder-copy .role{color:var(--gold2);font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.1em;font-size:.83rem}.founder-copy>p:not(.eyebrow):not(.role){color:var(--muted)}blockquote{margin:28px 0;padding:20px 25px;border-left:3px solid var(--gold);background:#0e0e0f;font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:1.12rem;color:#eee}.values{display:flex;gap:12px;flex-wrap:wrap}.values span{border:1px solid var(--line);padding:8px 12px;font-size:.7rem;letter-spacing:.18em;color:var(--gold2)}
.testimonials{background:#09090a}.video-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:22px}.video-card{background:#111;border:1px solid var(--line);overflow:hidden}.video-card video{width:100%;aspect-ratio:9/14;max-height:520px;object-fit:cover;background:#000;display:block}.video-meta{padding:22px}.video-meta h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;color:var(--gold2);font-size:1.45rem;margin:0}.video-meta p{margin:2px 0 8px;color:#eee}.video-meta small{color:#999}.testimonial-note{text-align:center;color:#777;font-size:.8rem;margin-top:25px}
.final-cta{background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 20%,rgba(200,154,58,.10),transparent 35%),#050505}.decision-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:24px}.decision{min-height:550px;padding:34px;background:#0e0e0f;border:1px solid var(--line);display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start}.decision img{width:100%;height:210px;object-fit:contain;background:#050505;margin-bottom:28px}.decision h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:2rem;margin:0 0 10px}.decision>p:not(.eyebrow){color:var(--muted)}.decision .button-pair{margin-top:auto}.core-decision{border-color:rgba(199,200,202,.22)}
.faq{background:#080809}.faq-wrap{max-width:920px}.accordion details{border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);background:#0f0f10;margin-bottom:10px}.accordion summary{cursor:pointer;list-style:none;padding:20px 56px 20px 22px;font-weight:800;position:relative}.accordion summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}.accordion summary:after{content:"+";position:absolute;right:22px;color:var(--gold2);font-size:1.4rem;top:15px}.accordion details[open] summary:after{content:"−"}.accordion details p{margin:0;padding:0 22px 22px;color:var(--muted)}
.site-footer{background:#030303;border-top:1px solid var(--line);padding:65px 0 95px}.footer-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.4fr repeat(3,1fr);gap:35px}.footer-brand{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:10px}.footer-brand img{height:90px;width:100%;object-fit:contain;background:#050505}.footer-brand p{grid-column:1/-1;color:#777}.site-footer h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;color:var(--gold2);font-size:.85rem;letter-spacing:.12em}.footer-contact,.footer-social,.footer-links{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px}.site-footer a,.site-footer span{color:#aaa;font-size:.86rem}.site-footer a:hover{color:var(--gold2)}.legal{border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.06);margin-top:45px;padding-top:25px}.legal p{font-size:.72rem;color:#707070;max-width:1050px}.sticky-mobile-cta{display:none}.reveal{opacity:0;transform:translateY(18px);transition:opacity .65s ease,transform .65s ease}.reveal.visible{opacity:1;transform:none}
@media(max-width:980px){.main-nav{position:absolute;top:80px;left:0;right:0;background:#070707;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);padding:22px;display:none;flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start}.main-nav.open{display:flex}.menu-toggle{display:block}.hero{min-height:auto}.hero-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:35px;padding:75px 0}.hero:before{background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(5,5,5,.93),rgba(5,5,5,.82) 55%,rgba(5,5,5,.2))}.hero-media{order:-1}.hero-frame img{height:480px}.company-grid,.founder-grid,.decision-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.path-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.pillar-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}.video-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.footer-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.founder-media img{max-height:620px;object-position:center top}}
@media(max-width:700px){.container{width:min(100% - 26px,var(--max))}.section{padding:74px 0}.nav-wrap{min-height:70px}.brand-mini img{width:155px;height:46px}.main-nav{top:70px}.hero-grid{padding:45px 0 65px}.hero h1{font-size:2.65rem}.hero h2{font-size:1.05rem}.hero-media{margin:0 -13px}.hero-frame{padding:0;border-left:0;border-right:0}.hero-frame img{height:430px}.hero-caption{left:15px;bottom:15px}.hero-actions .btn{width:100%}.hero-pills{justify-content:center}.company-grid,.path-grid,.pillar-grid,.video-grid,.footer-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.path-card{min-height:auto}.pillar{min-height:auto}.section-heading{margin-bottom:36px}.section-heading h2{font-size:2.1rem}.founder-grid{gap:35px}.founder-copy h2{font-size:3rem}.video-card video{max-height:none}.decision{min-height:auto}.decision .button-pair,.decision .button-pair .btn{width:100%}.footer-brand{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.site-footer{padding-bottom:120px}.sticky-mobile-cta{display:block;position:fixed;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;z-index:999;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--gold2),var(--gold));color:#0a0a0a;text-align:center;padding:16px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.08em;border-top:1px solid #f5d990}}
@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){html{scroll-behavior:auto}.reveal{opacity:1;transform:none;transition:none}}

/* --- Empire Website V2 expansion --- */
.nav-login{border:1px solid rgba(212,166,42,.55);padding:.65rem .9rem!important;border-radius:999px}
.service-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(5,1fr);gap:1rem;margin-top:2rem}.service-card{background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(255,255,255,.045),rgba(255,255,255,.015));border:1px solid rgba(212,166,42,.2);padding:1.5rem;border-radius:18px}.service-card span,.journey-card b{color:#d4a62a;font-family:Cinzel,serif}.service-card h3{margin:.6rem 0}.service-card p{color:#bbb;font-size:.92rem;line-height:1.6}.service-cta{margin-top:2rem;border:1px solid rgba(212,166,42,.4);border-radius:22px;padding:2rem;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:2rem;background:radial-gradient(circle at 10% 10%,rgba(212,166,42,.12),transparent 35%),#0d0d0d}.service-cta h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:1.5rem;margin:.35rem 0}.service-cta p{max-width:760px;color:#bbb}
.journey-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:1rem}.journey-card{border-top:3px solid #d4a62a;background:#0c0c0c;padding:1.6rem;border-radius:0 0 18px 18px;scroll-margin-top:100px}.journey-card h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;margin:.55rem 0}.journey-card p{color:#bbb;line-height:1.6}.journey-card a{color:#d4a62a;font-weight:800;text-decoration:none;font-size:.85rem}
.story-divider{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:1rem;margin:2rem 0 1rem;color:#d4a62a;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.12em}.story-divider:before,.story-divider:after{content:"";height:1px;background:rgba(212,166,42,.35);flex:1}.partner-stories{margin-top:4rem;padding:3rem;border:1px solid rgba(212,166,42,.35);border-radius:24px;background:radial-gradient(circle at 0 0,rgba(212,166,42,.12),transparent 35%),#090909;text-align:center}.partner-stories h2{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:clamp(1.8rem,3vw,3rem)}.partner-stories h2 span{color:#d4a62a}.partner-stories>p{color:#bbb;max-width:850px;margin:0 auto 2rem}.partner-feature{display:grid;grid-template-columns:2fr 1fr;gap:1rem;text-align:left}.partner-placeholder,.partner-coming{border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.1);background:rgba(255,255,255,.025);padding:2rem;border-radius:18px}.partner-placeholder span,.partner-coming b{color:#d4a62a;font-size:.75rem;letter-spacing:.16em}.partner-placeholder strong{display:block;font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:2rem;margin:.5rem 0}.partner-placeholder small{color:#d4a62a}.partner-placeholder p,.partner-coming p{color:#aaa;line-height:1.6}.partner-coming h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif}
.client-entry-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.1fr .9fr;gap:3rem;align-items:center}.client-entry-copy h2{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:clamp(2rem,4vw,3.5rem)}.client-entry-copy h2 span{color:#d4a62a}.client-entry-copy p,.client-entry-copy li{color:#bbb;line-height:1.7}.entry-mock{background:#0a0a0a;border:1px solid rgba(212,166,42,.45);border-radius:24px;padding:2rem;text-align:center;box-shadow:inset 0 0 50px rgba(212,166,42,.05)}.entry-brand img{max-width:170px}.entry-brand small{display:block;color:#d4a62a;letter-spacing:.12em;margin:.5rem}.entry-mock h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;margin:1.5rem 0 .4rem}.entry-mock>p{color:#aaa}.mock-field{border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.12);border-radius:10px;text-align:left;padding:.9rem 1rem;margin:.7rem 0;color:#777;background:#050505}.entry-mock>small{display:block;color:#777;margin-top:1rem}.login-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:1rem;max-width:850px;margin:2rem auto 0}.login-card{border:1px solid rgba(212,166,42,.3);border-radius:18px;padding:1.6rem;text-decoration:none;background:#0b0b0b}.login-card b{display:block;color:#d4a62a;font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:1.1rem}.login-card span{color:#aaa;display:block;margin-top:.45rem}
@media(max-width:1050px){.service-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}.journey-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}}
@media(max-width:720px){.service-grid,.journey-grid,.partner-feature,.client-entry-grid,.login-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.service-cta{align-items:flex-start;flex-direction:column}.partner-stories{padding:1.5rem}.main-nav{overflow-y:auto}}

/* =========================================================
   EMPIRE LUXURY VISUAL SYSTEM — PHASE 1
   Global palette + navigation + homepage hero
   ========================================================= */
:root{
  --black:#020202;
  --black2:#070706;
  --panel:#0b0a08;
  --panel2:#11100d;
  --gold:#b88724;
  --gold2:#d8ad4b;
  --gold3:#6f4b0d;
  --gold-bright:#f0cb70;
  --ivory:#f4efe3;
  --white:#f4efe3;
  --muted:#b9b0a0;
  --line:rgba(190,139,39,.34);
  --max:1240px;
}
body{background:#020202;color:var(--ivory)}
.topline{height:2px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 4%,#6f4b0d 28%,#e0b652 50%,#6f4b0d 72%,transparent 96%);box-shadow:0 0 18px rgba(216,173,75,.16)}
.site-header{background:rgba(2,2,2,.965);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(184,135,36,.34);box-shadow:0 12px 40px rgba(0,0,0,.28)}
.nav-wrap{min-height:88px;gap:28px}
.brand-mini{position:relative;display:flex;align-items:center;padding-right:22px}
.brand-mini:after{content:"";position:absolute;right:0;top:18%;height:64%;width:1px;background:linear-gradient(transparent,rgba(216,173,75,.45),transparent)}
.brand-mini img{width:220px;height:62px;filter:contrast(1.05) saturate(1.06)}
.main-nav{gap:21px;font-size:.78rem;letter-spacing:.095em}
.main-nav a{color:#ded8cc;position:relative;padding:12px 0}
.main-nav>a:not(.nav-login):not(.nav-cta):after{content:"";position:absolute;left:50%;right:50%;bottom:5px;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--gold),var(--gold-bright));transition:.25s}
.main-nav>a:not(.nav-login):not(.nav-cta):hover:after{left:0;right:0}
.nav-login{border:1px solid rgba(216,173,75,.58);padding:10px 16px!important;border-radius:999px;color:var(--gold-bright)!important;background:rgba(216,173,75,.025)}
.nav-login:hover{background:rgba(216,173,75,.09)}
.nav-cta{position:relative;border:1px solid #9f721d;padding:15px 18px!important;color:#100c04!important;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#e3bb5b 0%,#b88424 55%,#d9aa44 100%);box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,238,190,.42),0 0 22px rgba(184,135,36,.09)}
.nav-cta:hover{color:#050505!important;box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,238,190,.55),0 8px 28px rgba(184,135,36,.18)}

.hero{min-height:800px;background:#020202;isolation:isolate;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(184,135,36,.18)}
.hero:before{z-index:0;background:
  radial-gradient(circle at 75% 43%,rgba(190,139,39,.13),transparent 27%),
  radial-gradient(circle at 18% 28%,rgba(184,135,36,.075),transparent 29%),
  linear-gradient(105deg,#020202 0%,#040403 52%,#090704 100%)}
.hero:after{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:0;pointer-events:none;opacity:.48;background:
  linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 49.9%,rgba(216,173,75,.035) 50%,transparent 50.1%),
  repeating-linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,255,255,.012) 0 1px,transparent 1px 12px);mask-image:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 0%,transparent 45%,#000 100%)}
.hero-glow{z-index:0;width:620px;height:620px;right:-245px;top:72px;border:1px solid rgba(216,173,75,.12);box-shadow:0 0 0 70px rgba(184,135,36,.012),0 0 140px rgba(184,135,36,.06)}
.hero-glow:before,.hero-glow:after{content:"";position:absolute;border-radius:50%;inset:62px;border:1px solid rgba(216,173,75,.07)}
.hero-glow:after{inset:128px;border-color:rgba(216,173,75,.045)}
.hero-grid{z-index:2;grid-template-columns:1.02fr .98fr;gap:72px;padding:96px 0 102px}
.hero-copy{position:relative;padding-left:3px}
.hero-copy:before{content:"";position:absolute;left:-30px;top:4px;width:1px;height:112px;background:linear-gradient(var(--gold-bright),rgba(184,135,36,0))}
.eyebrow{color:var(--gold-bright);font-size:.76rem;letter-spacing:.28em;text-shadow:0 0 22px rgba(216,173,75,.13)}
.hero h1{font-size:clamp(3.4rem,5.65vw,5.55rem);font-weight:600;line-height:.99;letter-spacing:.005em;margin:0 0 26px;color:var(--ivory);text-shadow:0 5px 30px rgba(0,0,0,.55)}
.hero h1 span{display:inline-block;background:linear-gradient(180deg,#f0cf7c 0%,#d1a442 46%,#a8751b 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;color:transparent;text-shadow:none}
.hero h2{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:1.18rem;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.035em;color:#efe7d8;margin-bottom:18px}
.hero-copy>p:not(.eyebrow){max-width:610px;color:#b9b0a0;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.78}
.hero-actions{margin:32px 0 25px;gap:14px}
.btn{min-height:51px;padding:14px 22px;letter-spacing:.095em}
.btn-gold{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#edca70 0%,#c4932f 50%,#a87317 100%);border-color:#c99634;color:#0b0803;box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,244,205,.5),0 12px 35px rgba(153,105,21,.12)}
.btn-gold:hover{box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,244,205,.65),0 14px 42px rgba(184,135,36,.25)}
.btn-outline{border-color:rgba(216,173,75,.62);color:#e3bd61;background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(216,173,75,.025),rgba(216,173,75,.005))}
.btn-outline:hover{background:rgba(216,173,75,.09);border-color:#d8ad4b}
.hero-pills{gap:18px;margin-top:8px}
.hero-pills span{font-size:.73rem;letter-spacing:.2em;color:#d8d0c2;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(216,173,75,.48);padding:7px 2px 8px}
.hero-media{position:relative;padding:24px 18px 24px 24px}
.hero-media:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:2px 0 2px 5px;border:1px solid rgba(184,135,36,.14);transform:translate(20px,-16px);pointer-events:none}
.hero-media:after{content:"EMPIRE";position:absolute;right:-42px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%) rotate(90deg);font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:.62rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5em;color:rgba(216,173,75,.35)}
.hero-frame{padding:7px;border:1px solid rgba(216,173,75,.62);background:linear-gradient(145deg,#120e07,#050505 18%,#080706);box-shadow:0 34px 90px rgba(0,0,0,.72),0 0 55px rgba(184,135,36,.08);overflow:visible}
.hero-frame:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:-1px;pointer-events:none;background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(240,203,112,.5),transparent 17%,transparent 80%,rgba(184,135,36,.35));opacity:.5}
.hero-frame img{height:590px;object-fit:cover;object-position:center center;filter:contrast(1.035) saturate(.96) brightness(.93)}
.hero-caption{left:27px;bottom:26px;min-width:275px;padding:13px 17px 12px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(2,2,2,.96),rgba(5,5,5,.84));border-left:2px solid #d8ad4b;box-shadow:0 14px 34px rgba(0,0,0,.4)}
.hero-caption strong{font-size:.93rem;color:#e5bc59;letter-spacing:.13em}
.hero-caption small{font-size:.72rem;letter-spacing:.04em;color:#d7d0c4}

/* Carry only the approved palette into the existing V2 sections for visual continuity. */
.section-heading h2 span,.founder-copy h2 span,.manifesto div span,.client-entry-copy h2 span,.partner-stories h2 span{color:var(--gold2)}
.service-card span,.journey-card b,.journey-card a,.story-divider,.partner-placeholder span,.partner-coming b,.entry-brand small,.login-card b{color:var(--gold2)}

@media(max-width:1180px){.main-nav{gap:15px;font-size:.72rem}.brand-mini img{width:190px}.hero-grid{gap:45px}}
@media(max-width:980px){.brand-mini:after{display:none}.main-nav{top:88px}.hero-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;padding:68px 0}.hero-media{order:0;max-width:650px;margin:0 auto;width:100%}.hero-media:after{display:none}.hero-frame img{height:560px}.hero-copy:before{display:none}}
@media(max-width:700px){.nav-wrap{min-height:72px}.brand-mini img{width:165px;height:50px}.main-nav{top:72px}.hero-grid{padding:46px 0 70px}.hero h1{font-size:2.75rem}.hero-media{padding:10px 0}.hero-media:before{display:none}.hero-frame{padding:4px}.hero-frame img{height:440px}.hero-caption{min-width:0;right:15px}.hero-glow{right:-440px}}

/* =========================================================
   EMPIRE LUXURY VISUAL SYSTEM — PHASE 1B HERO REFINEMENT
   Header identity + portrait scale + restrained lion watermark
   ========================================================= */
.brand-mini img{width:245px;height:58px;object-fit:contain;object-position:left center}
.hero{background:#020202}
.hero:before{background:
  radial-gradient(ellipse at 71% 43%,rgba(193,141,38,.16),transparent 28%),
  radial-gradient(ellipse at 31% 36%,rgba(174,121,25,.055),transparent 31%),
  linear-gradient(108deg,#020202 0%,#030302 48%,#0a0703 77%,#020202 100%)}
.hero:after{opacity:.36;background:
  linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 49.9%,rgba(216,173,75,.028) 50%,transparent 50.1%),
  repeating-linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,255,255,.009) 0 1px,transparent 1px 14px);mask-image:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 0%,transparent 48%,#000 100%)}
.hero-glow{right:-205px;top:76px;width:600px;height:600px;border-color:rgba(216,173,75,.075);box-shadow:0 0 0 76px rgba(184,135,36,.008),0 0 150px rgba(184,135,36,.045);background:url('assets/images/empire-lion-watermark.png') center/42% auto no-repeat;opacity:.56}
.hero-glow:before{inset:78px;border-color:rgba(216,173,75,.045)}
.hero-glow:after{inset:154px;border-color:rgba(216,173,75,.028)}
.hero-grid{grid-template-columns:1.03fr .97fr;gap:64px}
.hero-media{padding:16px 14px 18px 18px}
.hero-media:before{inset:0;border-color:rgba(184,135,36,.11);transform:translate(16px,-12px)}
.hero-media:after{right:-36px;color:rgba(216,173,75,.25)}
.hero-frame{padding:6px;overflow:hidden}
.hero-frame img{height:540px;object-fit:cover;object-position:center center;filter:contrast(1.035) saturate(.97) brightness(.94);display:block}
.hero-caption{left:24px;bottom:23px}
@media(max-width:1180px){.brand-mini img{width:215px;height:54px}.hero-grid{gap:42px}.hero-frame img{height:515px}}
@media(max-width:980px){.brand-mini img{width:205px}.hero-frame img{height:auto;aspect-ratio:1080/740}.hero-glow{right:-390px;opacity:.35}}
@media(max-width:700px){.brand-mini img{width:175px;height:46px}.hero-frame img{height:auto;aspect-ratio:1080/740}.hero-glow{right:-460px}}

/* PHASE 1C — header logo containment + clean right-side hero atmosphere */
.brand-mini{display:flex;align-items:center;min-width:190px;overflow:visible}
.brand-mini img{width:190px;height:54px;object-fit:contain;object-position:left center;display:block}
.hero-glow{background:none!important;opacity:.42;right:-235px}
@media(max-width:1180px){.brand-mini{min-width:165px}.brand-mini img{width:165px;height:50px}}
@media(max-width:980px){.brand-mini{min-width:180px}.brand-mini img{width:180px;height:50px}.hero-glow{opacity:.25}}
@media(max-width:700px){.brand-mini{min-width:150px}.brand-mini img{width:150px;height:44px}}

/* PHASE 1D — final header identity spacing */
.nav-wrap{min-height:96px;gap:24px}
.brand-mini{min-width:220px;padding-right:20px;flex:0 0 auto;overflow:visible}
.brand-mini img{width:220px;height:68px;object-fit:contain;object-position:left center;display:block}
@media(max-width:1180px){.nav-wrap{min-height:90px;gap:18px}.brand-mini{min-width:190px}.brand-mini img{width:190px;height:60px}.main-nav{gap:13px;font-size:.69rem}}
@media(max-width:980px){.nav-wrap{min-height:82px}.brand-mini{min-width:205px}.brand-mini img{width:205px;height:62px}.main-nav{top:82px}}
@media(max-width:700px){.nav-wrap{min-height:74px}.brand-mini{min-width:175px;padding-right:0}.brand-mini img{width:175px;height:54px}.main-nav{top:74px}}

/* Phase 1E — Client Services luxury treatment */
.tax-services{position:relative;overflow:hidden;background:linear-gradient(180deg,#030303 0%,#060504 48%,#020202 100%);border-top:1px solid rgba(201,162,39,.24);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(201,162,39,.18)}
.tax-services:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 6%,rgba(201,162,39,.085),transparent 28%),linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 0%,rgba(201,162,39,.025) 50%,transparent 100%)}
.tax-services .container{position:relative;z-index:1}
.tax-services .section-heading{max-width:940px;margin-inline:auto}
.tax-services .section-heading .eyebrow{letter-spacing:.28em;margin-bottom:.8rem}
.tax-services .section-heading h2{font-size:clamp(2.65rem,4.4vw,4.8rem);line-height:.98;max-width:900px;margin-inline:auto;text-wrap:balance}
.tax-services .section-heading>p:last-child{max-width:760px;margin:1.35rem auto 0;color:#aaa;line-height:1.75}
.tax-services .service-grid{gap:0;margin-top:3.3rem;border-top:1px solid rgba(201,162,39,.34);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(201,162,39,.25);background:rgba(255,255,255,.012)}
.tax-services .service-card{position:relative;min-height:285px;border:0;border-right:1px solid rgba(201,162,39,.18);border-radius:0;padding:2rem 1.55rem 1.8rem;background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(255,255,255,.025),rgba(255,255,255,.006));transition:transform .25s ease,background .25s ease}
.tax-services .service-card:last-child{border-right:0}
.tax-services .service-card:before{content:"";position:absolute;left:1.55rem;top:0;width:42px;height:2px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#f0cb69,#9f7213)}
.tax-services .service-card:hover{transform:translateY(-5px);background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(201,162,39,.075),rgba(255,255,255,.012))}
.tax-services .service-card span{display:block;font-size:1.05rem;letter-spacing:.12em;color:#b98b28;opacity:.9}
.tax-services .service-card h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:1.2rem;line-height:1.25;margin:1.25rem 0 .9rem;color:#f5f0e6}
.tax-services .service-card p{font-size:.9rem;line-height:1.72;color:#a9a59e;margin:0}
.tax-services .service-cta{position:relative;overflow:hidden;margin-top:2.7rem;border:1px solid rgba(201,162,39,.48);border-radius:0;padding:2.15rem 2.35rem;background:linear-gradient(100deg,rgba(201,162,39,.09),rgba(255,255,255,.018) 42%,rgba(201,162,39,.035));box-shadow:inset 0 1px rgba(255,255,255,.025)}
.tax-services .service-cta:after{content:"EMPIRE";position:absolute;right:12%;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:5.2rem;letter-spacing:.18em;color:rgba(201,162,39,.028);pointer-events:none}
.tax-services .service-cta>div,.tax-services .service-cta>a{position:relative;z-index:1}
.tax-services .service-cta h3{font-size:1.65rem;letter-spacing:.02em;color:#f5f0e6}
.tax-services .service-cta p{line-height:1.65;color:#aaa}
.tax-services .service-cta .btn-gold{min-width:155px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px rgba(240,203,105,.08),0 10px 35px rgba(0,0,0,.35)}
@media(max-width:1050px){.tax-services .service-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}.tax-services .service-card{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(201,162,39,.18)}}
@media(max-width:720px){.tax-services .service-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.tax-services .service-card{min-height:auto;border-right:0}.tax-services .service-cta{padding:1.6rem}.tax-services .service-cta:after{display:none}}

/* =========================================================
   PHASE 1F — EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY 360 COLOR SYSTEM
   Color-only reskin. Approved layout remains unchanged.
   ========================================================= */
:root{
  --black:#050505;--black2:#090a0b;--panel:#121214;--panel2:#17181a;
  --gold:#D3AF37;--gold2:#E5C87B;--gold3:#8E711E;--gold-bright:#F0D991;
  --ivory:#F5F1E8;--white:#F5F1E8;--muted:#A7A7A9;--silver:#B9BABD;
  --line:rgba(211,175,55,.28);
}
body{background:#050505;color:var(--ivory)}
.topline{background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 4%,#8E711E 27%,#E5C87B 50%,#8E711E 73%,transparent 96%);box-shadow:0 0 20px rgba(211,175,55,.20)}
.site-header{background:rgba(5,5,5,.96);border-bottom-color:rgba(211,175,55,.24)}
.brand-mini:after{background:linear-gradient(transparent,rgba(229,200,123,.48),transparent)}
.main-nav a{color:#E2E2E3}.main-nav>a:not(.nav-login):not(.nav-cta):after{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#A88725,#E5C87B,#D3AF37)}
.nav-login{border-color:rgba(211,175,55,.58)!important;color:#E5C87B!important}
.nav-cta{border-color:#B99529;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#F0D991 0%,#D3AF37 45%,#A98220 100%);color:#090909!important;box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,248,219,.5),0 0 24px rgba(211,175,55,.13)}
.hero{background:#050505;border-bottom-color:rgba(211,175,55,.20)}
.hero:before{background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 71% 43%,rgba(211,175,55,.15),transparent 28%),radial-gradient(ellipse at 31% 36%,rgba(229,200,123,.055),transparent 31%),linear-gradient(108deg,#050505 0%,#070708 48%,#11100c 77%,#050505 100%)}
.hero:after{background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 49.9%,rgba(229,200,123,.03) 50%,transparent 50.1%),repeating-linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,255,255,.011) 0 1px,transparent 1px 14px);mask-image:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 0%,transparent 48%,#000 100%)}
.hero-copy:before{background:linear-gradient(#F0D991,rgba(211,175,55,0))}.eyebrow{color:#E5C87B;text-shadow:0 0 24px rgba(229,200,123,.16)}
.hero h1 span{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#F3DFA1 0%,#D3AF37 48%,#A27F20 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;color:transparent}
.hero h2{color:#F5F1E8}.hero-copy>p:not(.eyebrow){color:#B2B2B4}
.btn-gold{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#F0D991 0%,#D3AF37 48%,#A98220 100%);border-color:#D3AF37;color:#080808;box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,250,225,.55),0 12px 35px rgba(211,175,55,.14)}
.btn-outline{border-color:rgba(211,175,55,.68);color:#E5C87B;background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(229,200,123,.035),rgba(211,175,55,.006))}
.hero-pills span{color:#D5D5D7;border-bottom-color:rgba(211,175,55,.52)}
.hero-media:before{border-color:rgba(211,175,55,.14)}.hero-media:after{color:rgba(229,200,123,.28)}
.hero-frame{border-color:rgba(229,200,123,.65);background:linear-gradient(145deg,#181713,#070708 18%,#0D0D0E);box-shadow:0 34px 90px rgba(0,0,0,.72),0 0 58px rgba(211,175,55,.10)}
.hero-frame:before{background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(240,217,145,.55),transparent 17%,transparent 80%,rgba(211,175,55,.4))}.hero-caption{border-left-color:#D3AF37}.hero-caption strong{color:#E5C87B}.hero-caption small{color:#D7D7D9}
.hero-glow{border-color:rgba(211,175,55,.09);box-shadow:0 0 0 76px rgba(211,175,55,.01),0 0 150px rgba(211,175,55,.055)}

.tax-services{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#060607 0%,#0B0B0D 48%,#050505 100%);border-top-color:rgba(211,175,55,.28);border-bottom-color:rgba(211,175,55,.22)}
.tax-services:before{background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 6%,rgba(211,175,55,.105),transparent 28%),linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 0%,rgba(167,167,169,.025) 50%,transparent 100%)}
.tax-services .section-heading>p:last-child{color:#A7A7A9}.tax-services .service-grid{border-top-color:rgba(211,175,55,.42);border-bottom-color:rgba(211,175,55,.30);background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(18,18,20,.72),rgba(9,10,11,.82))}
.tax-services .service-card{border-right-color:rgba(211,175,55,.22);background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(23,24,26,.72),rgba(10,10,11,.58))}.tax-services .service-card:before{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#F0D991,#D3AF37,#8E711E)}
.tax-services .service-card:hover{background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(211,175,55,.09),rgba(18,18,20,.72));box-shadow:inset 0 1px rgba(240,217,145,.12)}
.tax-services .service-card span{color:#D3AF37}.tax-services .service-card h3{color:#F5F1E8}.tax-services .service-card p{color:#A7A7A9}
.tax-services .service-cta{border-color:rgba(211,175,55,.58);background:radial-gradient(circle at 16% 50%,rgba(211,175,55,.10),transparent 34%),linear-gradient(100deg,#111113,#0A0A0B 48%,#121214);box-shadow:inset 0 1px rgba(240,217,145,.06),0 18px 60px rgba(0,0,0,.24)}
.tax-services .service-cta:after{color:rgba(229,200,123,.035)}.tax-services .service-cta h3{color:#F5F1E8}.tax-services .service-cta p{color:#A7A7A9}
.section-heading h2 span,.founder-copy h2 span,.manifesto div span,.client-entry-copy h2 span,.partner-stories h2 span{color:#D3AF37}
.service-card span,.journey-card b,.journey-card a,.story-divider,.partner-placeholder span,.partner-coming b,.entry-brand small,.login-card b{color:#D3AF37}

/* =========================================================
   PHASE 1G — EMPIRE ELITE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS BRAND GOLD
   Source direction: user's official Empire Elite lion logo.
   Keeps approved structure; replaces flat E360 palette with
   vivid polished black + dimensional Empire gold.
   ========================================================= */
:root{
  --black:#010101;--black2:#060503;--panel:#0b0905;--panel2:#121008;
  --gold:#E3A21A;--gold2:#FFC447;--gold3:#8B5705;--gold-bright:#FFE08A;
  --ivory:#FFF9EA;--white:#FFF9EA;--muted:#C9C0AF;--silver:#D4D0C7;
  --line:rgba(235,171,34,.34);
}
body{background:#010101;color:var(--ivory)}
.topline{background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 3%,#8B5705 20%,#E39A0D 38%,#FFE08A 50%,#FFB72E 62%,#8B5705 80%,transparent 97%);box-shadow:0 0 22px rgba(255,183,46,.22)}
.site-header{background:rgba(1,1,1,.95);border-bottom-color:rgba(227,162,26,.26)}
.brand-mini:after{background:linear-gradient(transparent,rgba(255,196,71,.58),transparent)}
.main-nav a{color:#EEEAE1}.main-nav a:hover{color:#FFD261}.main-nav>a:not(.nav-login):not(.nav-cta):after{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#A76600,#FFD261,#F2A818)}
.nav-login{border-color:rgba(242,168,24,.7)!important;color:#FFD261!important;background:rgba(242,168,24,.025)}
.nav-cta,.btn-gold{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#FFF0A8 0%,#FFD45E 18%,#F7B528 45%,#C87900 73%,#F2A818 100%)!important;border-color:#E4A21A!important;color:#090602!important;box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,225,.72),0 0 24px rgba(244,174,31,.17)!important}
.btn-gold:hover{box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,225,.82),0 12px 38px rgba(244,174,31,.3)!important}
.btn-outline{border-color:rgba(242,168,24,.72);color:#FFD261;background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(255,196,71,.035),rgba(255,196,71,.005))}
.hero{background:#010101}
.hero:before{background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 71% 43%,rgba(236,157,15,.17),transparent 28%),radial-gradient(ellipse at 29% 32%,rgba(255,196,71,.07),transparent 31%),linear-gradient(108deg,#010101 0%,#030302 48%,#0c0802 77%,#010101 100%)}
.hero:after{background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 49.9%,rgba(255,196,71,.035) 50%,transparent 50.1%),repeating-linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,255,255,.01) 0 1px,transparent 1px 14px);mask-image:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 0%,transparent 48%,#000 100%)}
.hero-glow{border-color:rgba(255,190,52,.19);box-shadow:0 0 130px rgba(229,145,0,.12)}
.eyebrow{color:#FFD261;text-shadow:0 0 20px rgba(255,188,53,.18)}
.hero h1 span,.section-heading h2 span,.founder-copy h2 span,.manifesto div span,.client-entry-copy h2 span,.partner-stories h2 span{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#FFF1A8 0%,#FFD65E 20%,#F5B321 48%,#C87500 78%,#F1A817 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;color:transparent;text-shadow:none}
.hero-frame{border-color:rgba(242,168,24,.72);background:linear-gradient(145deg,#171005,#030303 20%,#080602);box-shadow:0 34px 90px rgba(0,0,0,.72),0 0 58px rgba(229,145,0,.1)}
.hero-frame:before{background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,230,132,.68),transparent 17%,transparent 80%,rgba(215,126,0,.48))}
.hero-caption{border-left-color:#F2A818}.hero-caption strong{color:#FFD261}
.hero-pills span{border-color:#E3A21A}

.tax-services{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#010101 0%,#050402 48%,#010101 100%);border-top-color:rgba(242,168,24,.28);border-bottom-color:rgba(242,168,24,.22)}
.tax-services:before{background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 5%,rgba(255,184,42,.12),transparent 30%),radial-gradient(circle at 14% 58%,rgba(190,106,0,.045),transparent 25%),linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 0%,rgba(255,190,52,.03) 50%,transparent 100%)}
.tax-services .section-heading h2{color:#FFF9EA}
.tax-services .service-grid{border-top-color:rgba(242,168,24,.42);border-bottom-color:rgba(242,168,24,.28)}
.tax-services .service-card{border-right-color:rgba(242,168,24,.22);background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(255,196,71,.035),rgba(255,255,255,.005))}
.tax-services .service-card:before{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#FFF0A8,#F5B321 45%,#A85F00)}
.tax-services .service-card span{color:#F4AD1E}.tax-services .service-card h3{color:#FFF9EA}.tax-services .service-card p{color:#C9C0AF}
.tax-services .service-card:hover{background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(255,183,46,.095),rgba(255,255,255,.01))}
.tax-services .service-cta{border-color:rgba(242,168,24,.62);background:radial-gradient(circle at 14% 50%,rgba(242,168,24,.11),transparent 35%),linear-gradient(100deg,rgba(255,196,71,.055),rgba(255,255,255,.012) 46%,rgba(190,106,0,.045));box-shadow:inset 0 1px rgba(255,231,154,.06),0 0 45px rgba(201,116,0,.035)}
.tax-services .service-cta:after{color:rgba(255,196,71,.035)}
.tax-services .service-cta h3{color:#FFF5D7}.tax-services .service-cta p{color:#C9C0AF}

/* =========================================================
   PHASE 1H — EMPIRE ECOSYSTEM REFINEMENT
   Preserve locked Empire Elite palette; refine company presentation only.
   ========================================================= */
.companies{
  position:relative;
  overflow:hidden;
  background:
    radial-gradient(circle at 50% 18%,rgba(216,173,75,.055),transparent 30%),
    linear-gradient(180deg,#050505 0%,#080706 52%,#040404 100%);
}
.companies:before{
  content:"";position:absolute;left:50%;top:238px;bottom:80px;width:1px;
  background:linear-gradient(transparent,rgba(216,173,75,.16),transparent);
  pointer-events:none;
}
.companies .section-heading{margin-bottom:62px}
.company-grid{gap:30px;align-items:stretch}
.company-card{
  min-height:480px;padding:0 34px 34px;
  background:linear-gradient(145deg,rgba(17,15,11,.96),rgba(7,7,7,.98) 56%,rgba(13,10,5,.96));
  border:1px solid rgba(216,173,75,.32);
  box-shadow:0 28px 65px rgba(0,0,0,.32),inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,230,160,.025);
}
.company-card:before{
  content:"";position:absolute;left:0;right:0;top:0;height:2px;
  background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,#9b6815 18%,#f0cb70 50%,#9b6815 82%,transparent);
  opacity:.72;
}
.company-card:after{width:310px;height:310px;right:-135px;bottom:-165px;background:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(216,173,75,.09),transparent 67%)}
.logo-shell{
  height:215px;margin:0 -10px 30px;padding:28px 34px;
  background:
    radial-gradient(circle at 50% 50%,rgba(216,173,75,.055),transparent 48%),
    #030303;
  border:0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(216,173,75,.18);
  position:relative;
}
.logo-shell:after{content:"";position:absolute;left:22%;right:22%;bottom:-1px;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,#d8ad4b,transparent);opacity:.72}
.logo-shell img{filter:contrast(1.06) saturate(1.08);position:relative;z-index:1}
.elite-logo img{width:100%;max-width:460px;max-height:180px}
.core-logo img{width:100%;max-width:330px;max-height:185px;height:auto;object-fit:contain}
.company-card h3{font-size:1.58rem;margin:0 0 11px;color:var(--ivory);position:relative;z-index:1}
.company-card .gold-text{font-size:.88rem;letter-spacing:.015em;margin:0 0 18px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#f0cb70,#d8ad4b 55%,#b88724);-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;color:transparent;position:relative;z-index:1}
.company-card>p:last-child{font-size:.97rem;line-height:1.75;margin:0;max-width:520px;position:relative;z-index:1}
.company-card strong{color:#e7c468;font-weight:800}
.company-card:nth-child(1):after{left:-145px;right:auto}
@media(max-width:800px){.companies:before{display:none}.company-card{min-height:0;padding:0 24px 28px}.logo-shell{height:180px;padding:24px}.elite-logo img{max-width:390px}.core-logo img{max-width:280px}}

/* PHASE 1I — ecosystem logo balance + program card refinement */
.elite-logo img{transform:scale(1.24);transform-origin:center;max-width:500px}

.paths .section-heading{max-width:820px;margin-bottom:50px}
.path-grid{gap:26px}
.path-card{
  background:
    radial-gradient(circle at 88% 8%,rgba(237,190,70,.055),transparent 28%),
    linear-gradient(145deg,#0a0a0b 0%,#111112 62%,#0b0b0c 100%);
  border:1px solid rgba(218,170,51,.30);
  padding:36px 36px 32px;
  min-height:545px;
  box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,221,126,.035),0 20px 55px rgba(0,0,0,.18);
}
.path-card:after{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;right:0;top:0;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,#f2ca62 25%,#b9780b 70%,transparent);opacity:.55}
.path-card.core{border-color:rgba(218,170,51,.23)}
.path-card.featured{border-color:rgba(242,190,55,.52);box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,229,145,.06),0 22px 65px rgba(0,0,0,.25)}
.step{color:rgba(231,180,56,.34);font-size:2.15rem}
.company-tag{background:rgba(0,0,0,.34);border-color:rgba(222,172,47,.42);color:#e8b93d}
.company-tag.silver{color:#e8b93d;border-color:rgba(222,172,47,.28)}
.path-label{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#ffe28b,#e3ad27 58%,#b97608);-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;color:transparent}
.path-card h3{color:#f5f1e8;letter-spacing:-.02em}
.price{color:#f6f2e9}.price sup,.split{color:#e6b32d}
.path-card ul{color:#d0cbc0}.path-card li{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px}.path-card li:before{color:#e8b42d}
.path-card .btn-gold{margin-top:auto;background:linear-gradient(105deg,#ffe58e 0%,#efc24f 42%,#e89c05 100%);box-shadow:0 7px 24px rgba(225,157,12,.12)}
.path-card .btn-gold:hover{filter:brightness(1.07)}
.popular{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#f6ce62,#e99d08);box-shadow:0 4px 18px rgba(0,0,0,.32)}
@media(max-width:800px){.elite-logo img{transform:scale(1.18)}.path-card{padding:30px 26px}}


/* =========================================================
   PHASE 1K — WHY EMPIRE / BRAND STORY REFINEMENT
   Editorial layout: fewer boxes, stronger Empire identity.
   ========================================================= */
.why-empire-v2{position:relative;overflow:hidden;background:#020201;padding:120px 0 125px;border-top:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.16);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.16)}
.why-empire-v2:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 15% 18%,rgba(239,156,9,.09),transparent 31%),radial-gradient(ellipse at 84% 72%,rgba(255,190,52,.055),transparent 28%);pointer-events:none}
.why-aura{position:absolute;width:640px;height:640px;border:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.07);border-radius:50%;right:-360px;top:160px;box-shadow:0 0 0 85px rgba(242,168,24,.012),0 0 130px rgba(242,168,24,.035)}
.why-intro{position:relative;display:grid;grid-template-columns:.34fr 1fr;gap:55px;align-items:start;margin-bottom:70px}
.why-kicker{padding-top:13px}.why-kicker .eyebrow{margin-bottom:18px}.why-rule{display:block;width:100%;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#F5B321,rgba(242,168,24,.12))}
.why-title-block{max-width:900px}.why-title-block h2{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(2.5rem,4.7vw,4.35rem);line-height:1.06;margin:0 0 25px;color:#FFF9EA}.why-title-block h2 span{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#FFF1A8 0%,#FFD65E 20%,#F5B321 48%,#C87500 78%,#F1A817 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;color:transparent}.why-title-block>p{max-width:760px;margin:0;color:#C9C0AF;font-size:1.02rem}
.why-framework{position:relative;border-top:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.34);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.24);background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(255,196,71,.025),rgba(255,255,255,.006) 50%,rgba(255,196,71,.025))}
.why-pillar{display:grid;grid-template-columns:105px .85fr 1.15fr;align-items:center;min-height:132px;padding:22px 28px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.055);transition:.25s ease;position:relative}
.why-pillar:last-child{border-bottom:0}.why-pillar:before{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;top:0;bottom:0;width:2px;background:linear-gradient(#FFF0A8,#E39A0D);transform:scaleY(0);transition:.25s;transform-origin:center}.why-pillar:hover{background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(245,179,33,.07),rgba(255,255,255,.012),transparent);padding-left:34px}.why-pillar:hover:before{transform:scaleY(1)}
.why-num{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:2.1rem;color:rgba(255,196,71,.30)}
.why-pillar-copy{display:contents}.why-label{margin:0;color:#F4AD1E;font-size:.7rem;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.2em}.why-pillar h3{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:1.35rem;color:#FFF9EA;margin:4px 0 0}.why-pillar-copy>p:last-child{margin:0;color:#BFB6A7;font-size:.92rem;max-width:520px}
.empire-manifesto{position:relative;overflow:hidden;margin-top:52px;padding:58px 65px 55px;border:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.48);background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 0%,rgba(255,190,52,.10),transparent 37%),linear-gradient(115deg,#0a0702,#020202 50%,#0b0701);box-shadow:inset 0 1px rgba(255,225,138,.08),0 30px 80px rgba(0,0,0,.25)}
.empire-manifesto:before,.empire-manifesto:after{content:"";position:absolute;top:20px;width:90px;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,#F5B321)}.empire-manifesto:before{left:20px}.empire-manifesto:after{right:20px;transform:scaleX(-1)}
.manifesto-mark{position:absolute;inset:auto 0 -118px;text-align:center;font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:15rem;line-height:1;color:rgba(255,196,71,.025);pointer-events:none}.empire-manifesto>p{position:relative;color:#FFD261;letter-spacing:.25em;font-size:.7rem;margin:0 0 13px}.empire-manifesto h3{position:relative;font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(1.45rem,2.7vw,2.45rem);line-height:1.35;margin:0 auto 28px;max-width:950px;color:#FFF9EA}.empire-manifesto h3 span{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#FFF1A8,#F5B321 48%,#C87500);-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;color:transparent}
.blueprint-line{position:relative;display:flex!important;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:18px;color:#FFF9EA!important;letter-spacing:.18em!important;font-size:.76rem}.blueprint-line b{font-weight:800}.blueprint-line i{display:block;width:42px;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#8B5705,#FFD261,#8B5705)}
@media(max-width:900px){.why-intro{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:20px}.why-rule{width:120px}.why-pillar{grid-template-columns:65px 1fr;padding:22px}.why-pillar-copy{display:block}.why-pillar-copy>p:last-child{margin-top:10px}.empire-manifesto{padding:45px 25px}.blueprint-line{gap:10px;flex-wrap:wrap}.blueprint-line i{width:22px}}
@media(max-width:560px){.why-empire-v2{padding:85px 0}.why-pillar{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:4px}.why-num{font-size:1.4rem}.why-pillar:hover{padding-left:22px}.blueprint-line i{display:none}}

/* Phase 1L — Why Empire pillar layout correction */
.why-framework{overflow:hidden}
.why-pillar{grid-template-columns:150px minmax(270px,.9fr) minmax(360px,1.25fr);gap:38px;min-height:142px;padding:28px 38px}
.why-pillar-copy{display:grid;grid-column:2 / 4;grid-template-columns:minmax(270px,.9fr) minmax(360px,1.25fr);gap:38px;align-items:center;width:100%}
.why-num{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:17px;font-size:2.25rem;color:rgba(255,196,71,.36)}
.why-num:after{content:"";width:42px;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#F5B321,rgba(245,179,33,.08))}
.why-label{grid-column:1;margin:0 0 7px;color:#F4AD1E;font-size:.72rem;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.22em}
.why-pillar h3{grid-column:1;font-size:1.42rem;line-height:1.25;margin:0;color:#FFF9EA}
.why-pillar-copy>p:last-child{grid-column:2;grid-row:1 / span 2;margin:0;max-width:560px;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.75;color:#C9C0AF;padding-left:34px;border-left:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.18)}
.why-pillar:nth-child(odd){background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(245,179,33,.028),rgba(255,255,255,.004) 54%,transparent)}
.why-pillar:nth-child(even){background:linear-gradient(270deg,rgba(245,179,33,.022),rgba(255,255,255,.004) 48%,transparent)}
.why-pillar:hover{padding-left:44px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(245,179,33,.075),rgba(255,255,255,.012),transparent)}
@media(max-width:900px){.why-pillar{grid-template-columns:72px 1fr;gap:20px;padding:24px}.why-pillar-copy{grid-column:2;display:block}.why-pillar-copy>p:last-child{margin-top:12px;padding-left:0;border-left:0;max-width:650px}.why-num:after{display:none}}
@media(max-width:560px){.why-pillar{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:8px}.why-pillar-copy{grid-column:1}.why-pillar:hover{padding-left:24px}}

/* Phase 1M — Empire Standard transition repair */
.empire-manifesto{
  overflow:hidden;
  margin-top:58px;
  margin-bottom:10px;
  padding:54px 72px 48px;
  min-height:0;
  text-align:center;
}
.empire-manifesto>p{margin-bottom:14px}
.empire-manifesto h3{margin-bottom:24px}
.empire-manifesto .blueprint-line{margin:0 auto; padding:0 0 2px; line-height:1.3}
.manifesto-mark{display:none!important}
.founder{border-top:1px solid rgba(245,179,33,.18);padding-top:92px}
@media(max-width:900px){.empire-manifesto{padding:44px 26px 40px;margin-top:44px}.founder{padding-top:76px}}

/* =========================================================
   PHASE 1N — FOUNDER STORY / DARIN LYONS
   Expanded editorial biography + integrated portrait treatment.
   ========================================================= */
.founder-v2{position:relative;overflow:hidden;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 18% 35%,rgba(242,168,24,.10),transparent 30%),linear-gradient(180deg,#020202,#060401 54%,#020202);padding-bottom:90px}
.founder-v2:before{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;right:0;top:0;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,#e2a21a 50%,transparent);opacity:.42}
.founder-orbit{position:absolute;width:650px;height:650px;border:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.065);border-radius:50%;left:-360px;top:130px;box-shadow:0 0 0 88px rgba(242,168,24,.009),0 0 140px rgba(242,168,24,.035)}
.founder-v2 .founder-grid{grid-template-columns:.92fr 1.08fr;gap:76px;align-items:start;position:relative;z-index:1}
.founder-v2 .founder-media{border:0;padding:0;background:transparent;position:sticky;top:125px}
.founder-photo-stage{position:relative;min-height:650px;overflow:hidden;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.36);background:radial-gradient(circle at 55% 38%,rgba(241,169,25,.17),transparent 34%),linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(37,24,5,.9),#050505 58%)}
.founder-photo-stage:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:18px;border-left:1px solid rgba(255,211,96,.34);border-top:1px solid rgba(255,211,96,.12);z-index:2;pointer-events:none}
.founder-photo-stage img{position:absolute;inset:0;width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:52% 18%;filter:contrast(1.06) saturate(.88) brightness(.92);mix-blend-mode:normal;-webkit-mask-image:linear-gradient(to bottom,#000 0%,#000 82%,transparent 100%);mask-image:linear-gradient(to bottom,#000 0%,#000 82%,transparent 100%)}
.founder-photo-stage:after{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(3,2,1,.38),transparent 24%,transparent 72%,rgba(3,2,1,.16)),linear-gradient(0deg,#030201 0%,transparent 28%);pointer-events:none}
.founder-monogram{position:absolute;left:22px;top:10px;font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:17rem;line-height:1;color:rgba(255,196,71,.045);z-index:1}
.founder-signature{position:absolute;left:34px;bottom:28px;z-index:3;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;padding-left:15px;border-left:2px solid #e8a719}
.founder-signature small{color:#ffd261;font-size:.65rem;letter-spacing:.22em;font-weight:900}.founder-signature strong{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;color:#fff6dd;font-size:.78rem;letter-spacing:.09em}
.founder-belief{margin:0;padding:26px 30px;background:linear-gradient(100deg,rgba(242,168,24,.075),rgba(255,255,255,.01));border:0;border-left:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.45);font-size:1rem;line-height:1.65;color:#e9dfcd}
.founder-v2 .founder-copy{padding-top:16px}.founder-v2 .founder-copy h2{font-size:clamp(3.6rem,6vw,5.6rem);line-height:.98;margin:0 0 14px}.founder-v2 .role{margin:0 0 32px;padding-bottom:18px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.22);font-size:.76rem;letter-spacing:.13em}
.founder-v2 .founder-copy>p:not(.eyebrow):not(.role){font-size:.98rem;line-height:1.78;margin:0 0 20px;color:#c9c0af}.founder-v2 .founder-copy>p strong{color:#fff0c0;font-weight:700}.founder-v2 .founder-lead{font-size:1.08rem!important;color:#e8dfcf!important}
.founder-mission{margin:34px 0 25px;padding:25px 28px;border:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.40);background:radial-gradient(circle at 10% 50%,rgba(242,168,24,.11),transparent 32%),#070604}.founder-mission span{display:block;color:#f5b321;font-size:.68rem;letter-spacing:.24em;font-weight:900;margin-bottom:8px}.founder-mission p{font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:1.15rem;line-height:1.55;margin:0;color:#fff7e3}
.founder-v2 .values{gap:8px}.founder-v2 .values span{background:rgba(242,168,24,.025);border-color:rgba(242,168,24,.32);color:#f1bb42;padding:9px 13px}
.founder-principles{position:relative;z-index:1;margin-top:68px;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);border-top:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.34);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.22);background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(242,168,24,.035),rgba(255,255,255,.008),rgba(242,168,24,.035))}
.founder-principles>div{padding:26px 24px 28px;border-right:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.15)}.founder-principles>div:last-child{border-right:0}.founder-principles b{display:block;font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:1.5rem;color:rgba(255,196,71,.32);margin-bottom:12px}.founder-principles strong{display:block;color:#ffd261;font-size:.75rem;letter-spacing:.15em;margin-bottom:8px}.founder-principles span{display:block;color:#bfb6a7;font-size:.84rem;line-height:1.55}
@media(max-width:950px){.founder-v2 .founder-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:42px}.founder-v2 .founder-media{position:relative;top:auto;max-width:650px;margin:auto}.founder-principles{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.founder-principles>div:nth-child(2){border-right:0}}
@media(max-width:560px){.founder-photo-stage{min-height:560px}.founder-v2 .founder-copy h2{font-size:3.25rem}.founder-principles{grid-template-columns:1fr}.founder-principles>div{border-right:0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(242,168,24,.14)}.founder-principles>div:last-child{border-bottom:0}}

/* Phase 1O — Founder Showcase: cinematic reference-matched composition */
.founder-showcase{position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding:0;background:#030303;border-top:1px solid rgba(232,167,27,.5);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(232,167,27,.35)}
.founder-showcase:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(circle at 18% 28%,rgba(198,127,14,.20),transparent 28%),radial-gradient(circle at 86% 46%,rgba(198,127,14,.08),transparent 30%);pointer-events:none}
.founder-showcase-inner{position:relative;z-index:1;display:grid;grid-template-columns:46% 54%;max-width:1600px;margin:auto;min-height:690px;border-left:1px solid rgba(232,167,27,.24);border-right:1px solid rgba(232,167,27,.24)}
.founder-visual{position:relative;min-height:690px;overflow:hidden;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#070401,#160e03 62%,#060402)}
.founder-visual:after{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(3,3,3,.05),transparent 52%,rgba(3,3,3,.84) 100%),linear-gradient(0deg,rgba(3,3,3,.55),transparent 30%);pointer-events:none}
.founder-visual>img{position:absolute;z-index:1;right:-1%;bottom:0;width:79%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 17%;filter:sepia(.16) saturate(.86) contrast(1.12) brightness(.83);-webkit-mask-image:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 0%,#000 18%,#000 92%,transparent 100%);mask-image:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 0%,#000 18%,#000 92%,transparent 100%)}
.founder-crest{position:absolute;z-index:0;left:3%;top:3%;width:52%;aspect-ratio:1;border:2px solid rgba(211,149,26,.16);border-radius:50%;display:grid;place-items:center;font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:15rem;color:rgba(210,145,20,.10)}
.founder-crest:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:8%;border:1px solid rgba(211,149,26,.12);border-radius:50%}
.founder-quote-card{position:absolute;z-index:3;left:6%;bottom:5%;width:38%;min-width:235px;padding:30px 26px 22px;border:1px solid rgba(234,174,44,.55);background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(8,6,3,.94),rgba(18,12,4,.78));box-shadow:0 18px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.35)}
.founder-quote-card .quote-mark{position:absolute;top:-23px;left:22px;font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:4.7rem;color:#e7a91e}.founder-quote-card p{margin:0 0 14px;font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.12;color:#f4f0e8}.founder-quote-card strong{display:block;font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;color:#e9aa1c}.founder-quote-card em{display:block;margin-top:16px;font-family:cursive;font-size:1.5rem;color:#e6b342}.founder-quote-card small{display:block;margin-top:4px;font-size:.6rem;letter-spacing:.24em;color:#f2c251;font-weight:800}
.founder-story{padding:50px 64px 42px 50px;align-self:center}.founder-story .eyebrow{margin-bottom:10px}.founder-story h2{margin:0;font-family:Cinzel,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(3.7rem,5.4vw,6rem);line-height:.98;color:#f5f0e7}.founder-story h2 span{color:#e4a11a}.founder-role{margin:13px 0 24px;color:#e9ae2e;font-size:.72rem;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.17em}.founder-story>p:not(.eyebrow):not(.founder-role){max-width:780px;margin:0 0 14px;color:#c9c3b8;font-size:.94rem;line-height:1.55}.founder-story strong{color:#f3e1a4}.founder-vision-btn{margin-top:5px;min-width:370px;text-align:center;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#ffd86e,#df9500);color:#080604;border-color:#f2bd3d}
.founder-values{position:relative;z-index:2;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(5,1fr);max-width:1600px;margin:auto;border-top:1px solid rgba(234,174,44,.6);background:linear-gradient(180deg,#120b02,#050505)}.founder-values article{min-height:145px;padding:22px 18px;text-align:center;border-right:1px solid rgba(234,174,44,.35)}.founder-values article:last-child{border-right:0}.founder-values b{display:block;margin-bottom:7px;color:#e8a61c;font-size:2rem}.founder-values strong{display:block;margin-bottom:6px;color:#e7b943;font-size:.69rem;letter-spacing:.15em}.founder-values span{display:block;color:#c8c1b5;font-size:.8rem;line-height:1.5}
.founder-closing{position:relative;z-index:2;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:28px;padding:16px 24px 25px;background:#050505}.founder-closing i{width:90px;height:1px;background:#a86c00}.founder-closing p{margin:0;text-align:center;color:#e4a91e;font-size:.75rem;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.27em;line-height:1.55}.founder-closing small{display:block;margin-top:6px;color:#ddd;font-size:.58rem;letter-spacing:.2em}
@media(max-width:1000px){.founder-showcase-inner{grid-template-columns:1fr}.founder-visual{min-height:620px}.founder-story{padding:50px 34px}.founder-values{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.founder-values article:nth-child(even){border-right:0}.founder-values article:last-child{grid-column:1/-1}.founder-vision-btn{min-width:0;width:100%}}
@media(max-width:600px){.founder-visual{min-height:570px}.founder-visual>img{width:100%;right:-15%}.founder-quote-card{left:5%;width:58%;min-width:0;padding:26px 18px 18px}.founder-story h2{font-size:3.3rem}.founder-story{padding:42px 22px}.founder-values{grid-template-columns:1fr}.founder-values article{border-right:0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(234,174,44,.18)}.founder-values article:last-child{grid-column:auto}.founder-closing i{display:none}.founder-closing p{font-size:.66rem;letter-spacing:.18em}}

/* Phase 1P — Founder visual lock: exact approved cinematic composition */
.founder-locked{position:relative;padding:0!important;margin:0;background:#030303;border-top:1px solid rgba(232,167,27,.55);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(232,167,27,.35);overflow:hidden}
.founder-locked-wrap{position:relative;width:100%;max-width:1920px;margin:0 auto;line-height:0;background:#030303}
.founder-locked-wrap>img{display:block;width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain}
.founder-locked-cta{position:absolute;left:54.7%;top:63.1%;width:22.8%;height:6.5%;z-index:3;display:block;border-radius:2px}
.founder-locked-cta:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #ffd45c;outline-offset:3px}
@media(max-width:900px){.founder-locked-wrap{min-width:900px;left:50%;transform:translateX(-50%)}.founder-locked{overflow-x:hidden}}
@media(max-width:600px){.founder-locked-wrap{min-width:760px}}

/* Phase 1Q — Stories refinement */
.testimonials{position:relative;overflow:hidden;background:linear-gradient(180deg,#070707 0%,#0a0805 52%,#050505 100%);border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.18)}
.testimonials:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 8%,rgba(211,175,55,.10),transparent 30%),linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 0 12%,rgba(211,175,55,.025) 50%,transparent 88%)}
.testimonials>.container{position:relative;z-index:1}
.testimonials .section-heading{max-width:920px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}
.testimonials .section-heading>p:last-child{max-width:700px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;color:#aaa}
.video-grid{gap:18px;max-width:1080px;margin:3rem auto 0}
.video-card{position:relative;background:linear-gradient(180deg,#111 0%,#090909 100%);border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.32);box-shadow:0 18px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.28);transition:transform .25s ease,border-color .25s ease}
.video-card:hover{transform:translateY(-4px);border-color:rgba(245,179,33,.68)}
.video-card:before{content:"EMPIRE STORY";position:absolute;z-index:3;top:14px;left:14px;padding:7px 10px;background:rgba(0,0,0,.78);border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.45);color:#F5B321;font-size:.62rem;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.16em}
.video-card video{aspect-ratio:4/5;max-height:460px;object-fit:cover;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.22)}
.video-meta{padding:20px 22px 24px;min-height:132px}
.video-meta h3{font-size:1.55rem;color:#f4f0e7}.video-meta p{color:#D3AF37;font-weight:700;font-size:.84rem;letter-spacing:.04em}.video-meta small{display:block;color:#8f8b82;line-height:1.45}
.story-divider{max-width:1080px;margin:3.5rem auto 1.1rem}.testimonial-note{max-width:720px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}
.partner-stories{position:relative;max-width:1080px;margin:5rem auto 0;padding:3.5rem;border-radius:0;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.42);background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(211,175,55,.09),transparent 28%),#080808;box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,220,100,.05)}
.partner-stories:before,.partner-stories:after{content:"";position:absolute;top:18px;width:72px;height:1px;background:#9b7416}.partner-stories:before{left:18px}.partner-stories:after{right:18px}
.partner-stories h2{margin:.55rem auto 1rem;max-width:900px}.partner-stories>p{max-width:760px;color:#a9a59b}
.partner-feature{grid-template-columns:1.45fr .8fr;gap:18px;margin-top:2.4rem}
.partner-placeholder,.partner-coming{position:relative;border-radius:0;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.24);background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(255,255,255,.025),rgba(211,175,55,.025));padding:2.25rem}
.partner-placeholder:before{content:"01";position:absolute;right:22px;top:16px;font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:2.6rem;color:rgba(211,175,55,.18)}
.partner-coming:before{content:"02+";position:absolute;right:22px;top:16px;font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:2.2rem;color:rgba(211,175,55,.16)}
.partner-placeholder strong{color:#f4f0e7;font-size:2.25rem}.partner-placeholder small{color:#D3AF37;font-weight:700}.partner-coming h3{color:#f4f0e7;font-size:1.45rem;margin:.6rem 0 1rem}
@media(max-width:720px){.video-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.video-card video{aspect-ratio:4/5;max-height:none}.partner-stories{padding:2rem 1.25rem}.partner-feature{grid-template-columns:1fr}}
/* Phase 1R — ERO Business Owner Showcase */
.ero-transition{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:22px;max-width:1080px;margin:4.5rem auto 1.5rem;color:#D3AF37;font-size:.72rem;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.24em}.ero-transition span{width:110px;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,#9b7416)}.ero-transition span:last-child{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#9b7416,transparent)}
.partner-stories.ero-showcase{max-width:1180px;margin:0 auto 1rem;padding:0;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.38);background:radial-gradient(circle at 85% 15%,rgba(211,175,55,.09),transparent 26%),linear-gradient(135deg,#0b0905 0%,#060606 48%,#0a0804 100%);box-shadow:0 28px 80px rgba(0,0,0,.5),inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,225,140,.06);text-align:left;overflow:hidden}
.partner-stories.ero-showcase:before,.partner-stories.ero-showcase:after{display:none}
.ero-heading{text-align:center;padding:3.6rem 2rem 2.7rem;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.22);position:relative}.ero-heading:after{content:"";position:absolute;bottom:-1px;left:50%;width:150px;height:2px;transform:translateX(-50%);background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,#E0B52B,transparent)}.ero-heading h2{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:clamp(2rem,4vw,3.5rem);margin:.55rem auto 1rem;color:#f4f0e7}.ero-heading h2 span{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#FFF1A8,#F5B321 48%,#C87500);-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;color:transparent}.ero-heading>p:last-child{max-width:850px;margin:0 auto;color:#b7b1a5;line-height:1.7}
.ero-featured{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1.05fr) minmax(0,.95fr);min-height:560px}.ero-video-shell{position:relative;padding:2rem;background:linear-gradient(145deg,rgba(211,175,55,.08),rgba(0,0,0,.18));border-right:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.22)}.ero-video-kicker{position:absolute;z-index:3;top:3rem;left:3rem;padding:.55rem .8rem;background:#080808;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.5);color:#E0B52B;font-size:.67rem;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.16em}.ero-video-shell video{display:block;width:100%;height:470px;object-fit:cover;background:#000;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.38);box-shadow:0 20px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.55)}.ero-video-bar{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;gap:1rem;align-items:center;padding:1rem 1.1rem;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.24);border-top:0;background:#080704}.ero-video-bar span{color:#E0B52B;font-size:.7rem;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.14em}.ero-video-bar small{color:#938d80}
.ero-profile{padding:3.6rem 3.3rem;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center}.ero-profile h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:clamp(2.8rem,5vw,4.6rem);line-height:.95;margin:.5rem 0;color:#f4f0e7}.ero-company{font-family:Cinzel,serif;color:#E0B52B;font-size:1.05rem;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.08em}.ero-rule{width:100%;height:1px;margin:1.4rem 0 1.5rem;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#9b7416,transparent)}.ero-lead{color:#c2bdb2;line-height:1.75;font-size:1rem}.ero-points{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;margin:1.4rem 0;border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.16);border-left:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.16)}.ero-points div{padding:1rem;border-right:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.16);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.16)}.ero-points b{display:block;color:#E0B52B;font-size:.7rem;letter-spacing:.16em;margin-bottom:.35rem}.ero-points span{color:#a9a398;font-size:.84rem}.ero-profile blockquote{margin:1.25rem 0 0;padding:1rem 1.2rem;border-left:2px solid #D3AF37;background:rgba(211,175,55,.04);font-family:Cinzel,serif;color:#eee6d7;font-size:1rem}.ero-future{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:2rem;padding:1.5rem 2.5rem;border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.22);background:rgba(211,175,55,.025)}.ero-future span{flex:0 0 auto;color:#E0B52B;font-size:.68rem;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.17em}.ero-future p{margin:0;color:#8f8a80;font-size:.86rem;line-height:1.55;max-width:700px}
@media(max-width:900px){.ero-featured{grid-template-columns:1fr}.ero-video-shell{border-right:0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.22)}.ero-video-shell video{height:auto;aspect-ratio:4/5}.ero-profile{padding:2.5rem 2rem}.ero-future{align-items:flex-start;flex-direction:column;gap:.7rem}.ero-transition span{width:45px}}
@media(max-width:560px){.ero-video-shell{padding:1rem}.ero-video-kicker{top:1.7rem;left:1.7rem}.ero-profile{padding:2rem 1.25rem}.ero-points{grid-template-columns:1fr}.ero-heading{padding:2.6rem 1.25rem 2.2rem}.ero-transition{gap:10px;font-size:.6rem;letter-spacing:.14em}}

/* Phase 1S — Jasmine Hunter ERO spotlight refinement */
.partner-stories.ero-showcase{max-width:1040px}
.ero-featured{grid-template-columns:44% 56%;min-height:0}
.ero-video-shell{padding:1.65rem 1.4rem 1.45rem;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:center;min-width:0}
.ero-video-shell video{width:auto;max-width:100%;height:430px;aspect-ratio:9/16;object-fit:contain;object-position:center center;background:#000;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.42);box-shadow:0 18px 45px rgba(0,0,0,.55)}
.ero-video-kicker{top:2.35rem;left:50%;transform:translateX(-50%);white-space:nowrap}
.ero-video-bar{width:min(100%,300px);box-sizing:border-box}
.ero-profile{padding:2.8rem 2.7rem}
.ero-profile h3{font-size:clamp(2.45rem,4.1vw,3.8rem)}
@media(max-width:900px){.partner-stories.ero-showcase{max-width:760px}.ero-featured{grid-template-columns:1fr}.ero-video-shell video{height:520px;max-width:330px;aspect-ratio:9/16;object-fit:contain}.ero-video-bar{width:min(100%,330px)}.ero-video-kicker{top:2.35rem}.ero-profile{padding:2.4rem 2rem}}
@media(max-width:560px){.ero-video-shell video{height:auto;width:min(100%,300px);aspect-ratio:9/16}.ero-video-bar{width:min(100%,300px)}.ero-video-kicker{top:1.75rem}.ero-profile h3{font-size:2.25rem}}

/* Phase 1T — Empire Client Experience */
.client-experience-luxe{position:relative;padding:7rem 0 7.5rem;background:radial-gradient(circle at 73% 54%,rgba(183,124,8,.10),transparent 27%),linear-gradient(180deg,#060604 0%,#0a0803 48%,#050504 100%);border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.34);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.25);overflow:hidden}
.client-experience-luxe:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent 0%,rgba(211,175,55,.025) 50%,transparent 100%);pointer-events:none}
.client-experience-head{text-align:center;max-width:1040px;margin:0 auto 3.4rem}
.client-experience-head .eyebrow{letter-spacing:.24em;color:#e5b62e;font-size:.72rem;font-weight:800}
.client-experience-head h2{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:clamp(2.35rem,4.3vw,4.35rem);line-height:1.08;margin:.8rem 0 1.15rem;color:#f5f1e8;font-weight:700}
.client-experience-head h2 span,.experience-copy h3 span,.entry-console h3 span{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#FFF1A8 0%,#FFD65E 20%,#F5B321 48%,#C87500 78%,#F1A817 100%);-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;color:transparent}
.client-experience-intro{max-width:820px;margin:auto;color:#b8b4aa;line-height:1.8;font-size:1rem}
.experience-journey{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 34px 1fr 34px 1fr 34px 1fr 34px 1fr;align-items:center;margin:0 auto 4rem;padding:1.35rem 1.5rem;border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.38);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.22);max-width:1180px;background:rgba(0,0,0,.20)}
.experience-journey>i{height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(211,175,55,.18),rgba(211,175,55,.75),rgba(211,175,55,.18));position:relative}
.experience-journey>i:after{content:"";position:absolute;right:-1px;top:-2px;width:5px;height:5px;border-top:1px solid #d3af37;border-right:1px solid #d3af37;transform:rotate(45deg)}
.experience-step{text-align:center;min-width:0}.experience-step b{display:block;color:#d3af37;font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:.72rem;letter-spacing:.16em;margin-bottom:.4rem}.experience-step span{display:block;color:#f3efe5;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.08em;font-size:.75rem}.experience-step small{display:block;color:#817d74;font-size:.68rem;margin-top:.35rem;line-height:1.4}
.client-experience-stage{display:grid;grid-template-columns:.92fr 1.08fr;max-width:1120px;margin:auto;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.36);background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(211,175,55,.035),rgba(0,0,0,.10) 42%,rgba(211,175,55,.035));box-shadow:0 24px 80px rgba(0,0,0,.42)}
.experience-copy{padding:4rem 3.6rem;border-right:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.25);align-self:stretch;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center}.experience-kicker{color:#d9aa24;font-size:.72rem;letter-spacing:.22em;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 .9rem}.experience-copy h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:clamp(2rem,3.2vw,3.25rem);line-height:1.08;margin:0 0 1.35rem;color:#f4f0e8}.experience-copy>p:not(.experience-kicker){color:#b9b5ac;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 1.7rem}.experience-copy strong{color:#eee8dc}
.experience-points{border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.18)}.experience-points>div{display:grid;grid-template-columns:42px 1fr;gap:1rem;padding:1.05rem 0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.16)}.experience-points b{font-family:Cinzel,serif;color:#d3af37;font-size:.78rem;padding-top:.15rem}.experience-points strong{display:block;color:#e9e3d8;font-size:.75rem;letter-spacing:.09em}.experience-points small{display:block;color:#88847c;line-height:1.55;margin-top:.28rem}
.powered-lockup{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:.8rem;margin-top:1.7rem;color:#8f8a80;font-size:.64rem;letter-spacing:.09em}.powered-lockup strong{color:#d3af37}.powered-lockup em{height:18px;width:1px;background:rgba(211,175,55,.45)}
.entry-console{margin:2rem;padding:1.75rem 2rem 2rem;background:linear-gradient(180deg,#090908 0%,#050505 100%);border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.42);box-shadow:inset 0 0 70px rgba(211,175,55,.035),0 18px 55px rgba(0,0,0,.45);position:relative}.entry-console:before,.entry-console:after{content:"";position:absolute;width:32px;height:32px;border-color:#d3af37;opacity:.55}.entry-console:before{left:-1px;top:-1px;border-left:2px solid;border-top:2px solid}.entry-console:after{right:-1px;bottom:-1px;border-right:2px solid;border-bottom:2px solid}
.console-topline{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;color:#7f7a70;font-size:.62rem;letter-spacing:.16em;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.15);padding-bottom:.75rem}.console-topline b{color:#d3af37;font-size:.78rem}.entry-console .entry-brand{text-align:center;margin:1.35rem 0 1rem}.entry-console .entry-brand img{max-width:150px;max-height:92px;object-fit:contain}.entry-console .entry-brand small{display:block;color:#d3af37;letter-spacing:.16em;font-size:.58rem;margin-top:.45rem}.console-rule{width:58px;height:1px;background:#d3af37;margin:0 auto 1.35rem}.console-eyebrow{text-align:center;color:#8d887e;font-size:.62rem;letter-spacing:.18em;margin:0}.entry-console h3{text-align:center;font-family:Cinzel,serif;color:#f5f0e6;font-size:clamp(1.65rem,2.5vw,2.35rem);line-height:1.12;margin:.55rem 0}.console-copy{text-align:center;color:#8d887e;font-size:.78rem;line-height:1.6;margin:0 auto 1.3rem;max-width:380px}.field-row{margin:.8rem 0}.field-row label{display:block;color:#cda630;font-size:.58rem;letter-spacing:.15em;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 .35rem}.entry-console .mock-field{border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.18);border-radius:0;padding:.82rem .9rem;margin:0;color:#68645d;background:#030303;font-size:.78rem}.entry-console .btn{border-radius:0;margin-top:1rem;min-height:48px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.08em}.console-security{display:flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center;gap:.65rem;color:#6f6b64;font-size:.55rem;letter-spacing:.11em;margin-top:1rem}.console-security i{width:1px;height:12px;background:rgba(211,175,55,.35)}.console-security strong{color:#cda630}
@media(max-width:900px){.experience-journey{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:.55rem}.experience-journey>i{width:1px;height:16px;margin:auto}.experience-journey>i:after{display:none}.client-experience-stage{grid-template-columns:1fr}.experience-copy{border-right:0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.25);padding:2.6rem 2rem}.powered-lockup{flex-wrap:wrap}.entry-console{margin:1.25rem}}
@media(max-width:560px){.client-experience-luxe{padding:5rem 0}.client-experience-head{margin-bottom:2.2rem}.experience-copy{padding:2rem 1.3rem}.entry-console{padding:1.35rem 1.1rem}.console-security{flex-wrap:wrap}}

/* Phase 1U — Refined E360 Client Experience */
.client-experience-v2{position:relative;padding:7.2rem 0 7.4rem;background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 46%,rgba(190,132,18,.075),transparent 35%),linear-gradient(180deg,#050504,#090703 52%,#050504);border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.30);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.24);overflow:hidden}
.client-experience-v2:before,.client-experience-v2:after{content:"";position:absolute;width:340px;height:340px;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.07);border-radius:50%;pointer-events:none}.client-experience-v2:before{left:-230px;top:25%}.client-experience-v2:after{right:-250px;bottom:8%}
.ce2-head{text-align:center;max-width:900px;margin:0 auto 3.7rem}.ce2-head .eyebrow span{padding:0 .45rem;color:#8e6a19}.ce2-head h2{font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:clamp(3rem,5.2vw,5.3rem);line-height:.96;margin:.8rem 0 1.45rem;color:#f4f0e7}.ce2-head h2 span,.ce2-message h3 span,.ce2-gateway h3 span{color:var(--gold)}.ce2-head>p:last-child{max-width:760px;margin:auto;color:#b7b0a4;font-size:1.02rem;line-height:1.8}
.ce2-journey{max-width:1050px;margin:0 auto 4.4rem;padding:1.45rem 1.6rem;border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.25);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.18);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}.ce2-journey div{min-width:125px;text-align:center}.ce2-journey b{display:block;color:var(--gold);font-size:.7rem;letter-spacing:.18em;margin-bottom:.42rem}.ce2-journey strong{display:block;color:#f2eee5;font-size:.72rem;letter-spacing:.1em}.ce2-journey small{display:block;color:#756f66;font-size:.68rem;margin-top:.34rem}.ce2-journey i{width:46px;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(211,175,55,.12),rgba(211,175,55,.75),rgba(211,175,55,.12));margin:0 .35rem;position:relative}.ce2-journey i:after{content:"";position:absolute;right:0;top:-2px;width:5px;height:5px;border-top:1px solid var(--gold);border-right:1px solid var(--gold);transform:rotate(45deg)}
.ce2-stage{max-width:1100px;margin:auto;display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.05fr .95fr;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.30);background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,255,255,.015),rgba(211,175,55,.025) 55%,rgba(255,255,255,.01));box-shadow:0 30px 90px rgba(0,0,0,.36)}
.ce2-message{padding:4.1rem 4rem;border-right:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.22)}.ce2-message h3,.ce2-gateway h3{font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:clamp(2.4rem,3.8vw,4rem);line-height:1.02;margin:.8rem 0 1.35rem;color:#f4f0e7}.ce2-lead{color:#bbb3a7;line-height:1.8;max-width:520px;margin-bottom:2.15rem}.ce2-values{border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.17)}.ce2-values>div{display:grid;grid-template-columns:42px 1fr;gap:1rem;padding:1.2rem 0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.13)}.ce2-values span{color:var(--gold);font-size:.7rem;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.12em}.ce2-values p{margin:0}.ce2-values strong{display:block;color:#eee9df;font-size:.76rem;letter-spacing:.08em;margin-bottom:.32rem}.ce2-values small{color:#898278;line-height:1.5}
.ce2-gateway{padding:2rem;display:flex;align-items:stretch}.ce2-gateway-inner{width:100%;min-height:100%;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.28);padding:3.2rem 3rem;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:center;text-align:center;background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 30%,rgba(211,175,55,.08),transparent 40%),#050504;position:relative}.ce2-gateway-inner:before,.ce2-gateway-inner:after{content:"";position:absolute;width:25px;height:25px}.ce2-gateway-inner:before{left:-1px;top:-1px;border-left:1px solid #e4c35b;border-top:1px solid #e4c35b}.ce2-gateway-inner:after{right:-1px;bottom:-1px;border-right:1px solid #e4c35b;border-bottom:1px solid #e4c35b}.ce2-mark{height:68px;margin-bottom:1.4rem}.ce2-mark img{height:100%;width:auto;object-fit:contain}.ce2-gateway h3{font-size:clamp(2.2rem,3.2vw,3.45rem);margin:.8rem 0 1.1rem}.ce2-gateway-inner>p:not(.eyebrow){color:#9e978c;line-height:1.7;max-width:410px;margin:0 auto 1.8rem}.ce2-btn{min-width:270px;margin-bottom:1.55rem}.ce2-powered{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:.7rem;color:#6f6960;font-size:.56rem;letter-spacing:.1em}.ce2-powered b{color:var(--gold)}.ce2-powered i{height:15px;width:1px;background:rgba(211,175,55,.35)}
.ce2-close{max-width:1100px;margin:1.35rem auto 0;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:1.3rem;color:#8d857a;font-size:.61rem;letter-spacing:.16em}.ce2-close span{color:var(--gold)}.ce2-close i{width:45px;height:1px;background:rgba(211,175,55,.4)}.ce2-close strong{font-weight:500}
@media(max-width:900px){.ce2-stage{grid-template-columns:1fr}.ce2-message{border-right:0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.22)}.ce2-journey{overflow-x:auto;justify-content:flex-start}.ce2-journey div{min-width:130px}.ce2-message{padding:3rem 2rem}.ce2-gateway{padding:1.4rem}.ce2-gateway-inner{padding:3rem 1.5rem}.ce2-close{flex-wrap:wrap;text-align:center}}
@media(max-width:560px){.client-experience-v2{padding:5rem 0}.ce2-head{margin-bottom:2.6rem}.ce2-message{padding:2.3rem 1.35rem}.ce2-powered{flex-direction:column}.ce2-powered i{width:30px;height:1px}.ce2-close{font-size:.55rem}}
/* Phase 1V — locked E360 polish + next-move refinement */
.ce2-mark{height:88px;margin-bottom:1.55rem}
.ce2-close{margin-top:1.65rem;gap:1.55rem;font-size:.68rem;letter-spacing:.18em}
.ce2-close span{font-weight:800}.ce2-close i{width:62px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(211,175,55,.2),#d3af37,rgba(211,175,55,.2))}.ce2-close strong{font-weight:650;color:#a59d91}
.final-cta{padding:7.5rem 0;background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 0%,rgba(211,175,55,.12),transparent 34%),linear-gradient(180deg,#050504,#080705 55%,#050505);border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.18)}
.final-cta .section-heading{max-width:880px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}.final-cta .section-heading h2{font-size:clamp(2.8rem,5vw,5.1rem);line-height:.98}.final-cta .section-heading>p:last-child{max-width:650px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}
.decision-grid{gap:0;max-width:1080px;margin:0 auto;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.28);box-shadow:0 35px 90px rgba(0,0,0,.28)}
.decision{min-height:500px;padding:3.1rem 3rem;background:linear-gradient(145deg,rgba(211,175,55,.045),transparent 42%),#080807;border:0;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.decision:first-child{border-right:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.25)}.decision:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 0%,rgba(211,175,55,.08),transparent 34%);pointer-events:none}.decision>*{position:relative;z-index:1}.decision img{width:100%;height:145px;object-fit:contain;background:transparent;margin:0 0 2rem;filter:drop-shadow(0 10px 25px rgba(0,0,0,.3))}.decision .eyebrow{margin-bottom:.7rem}.decision h3{font-size:clamp(1.8rem,2.5vw,2.65rem);line-height:1.05;margin-bottom:1rem}.decision>p:not(.eyebrow){line-height:1.75;max-width:430px}.decision .button-pair{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.75rem;padding-top:2rem}.decision .btn{min-width:155px;text-align:center}.core-decision{border-color:transparent}
@media(max-width:980px){.decision:first-child{border-right:0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.25)}}
@media(max-width:560px){.ce2-mark{height:76px}.decision{padding:2.3rem 1.4rem}.decision img{height:120px}.final-cta{padding:5.5rem 0}}
/* Phase 1W — transparent logo integration */
.logo-shell{background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 50%,rgba(216,173,75,.055),transparent 52%),transparent}
.logo-shell img{filter:drop-shadow(0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.42)) contrast(1.04) saturate(1.06)}
.decision img{background:transparent;filter:drop-shadow(0 12px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.42));height:170px;margin-bottom:1.8rem}
.elite-decision img{transform:scale(1.12)}
.core-decision img{transform:scale(1.06)}
.ce2-mark img{filter:drop-shadow(0 7px 16px rgba(0,0,0,.45))}

/* Phase 1X — Ecosystem logo fit: keep the transparent Empire Elite mark fully inside its card */
.companies .elite-logo img{
  transform:scale(1.06);
  transform-origin:center;
  width:92%;
  max-width:440px;
  max-height:165px;
}
@media(max-width:800px){
  .companies .elite-logo img{
    transform:scale(1.02);
    width:94%;
    max-width:360px;
    max-height:150px;
  }
}

/* Phase 1Y — premium FAQ, login gateway & footer */
.faq{position:relative;background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 15%,rgba(183,130,22,.08),transparent 34%),#060607;border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.16)}
.faq-wrap{max-width:1060px}.faq .section-heading{margin-bottom:52px}.faq .section-heading h2{font-size:clamp(2.7rem,5vw,4.7rem);line-height:1.02}.faq .accordion{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px 16px}.faq .accordion details{margin:0;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.18);background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(211,175,55,.035),rgba(255,255,255,.012));min-height:72px}.faq .accordion summary{padding:24px 58px 24px 24px;font-size:.96rem}.faq .accordion details[open]{border-color:rgba(211,175,55,.48);background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(211,175,55,.08),rgba(255,255,255,.018));box-shadow:inset 3px 0 0 var(--gold2)}.faq .accordion details p{padding:0 24px 24px;line-height:1.7}.faq .accordion summary:after{right:24px;top:18px}
.login-gateway{position:relative;overflow:hidden;background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 30%,rgba(183,130,22,.12),transparent 38%),#030303;border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.2);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.2)}.login-gateway:before,.login-gateway:after{content:"";position:absolute;width:330px;height:330px;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.09);border-radius:50%;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%)}.login-gateway:before{left:-230px}.login-gateway:after{right:-230px}.login-gateway .container{max-width:1000px}.login-gateway .section-heading h2{font-size:clamp(3rem,5.5vw,5rem)}.login-gateway .section-heading>p:last-child{max-width:650px;margin:18px auto 0;color:#a8a8a8}.login-grid{max-width:900px;gap:18px;margin-top:42px}.login-card{position:relative;border-radius:0;padding:34px 34px 32px;border:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.28);background:linear-gradient(145deg,rgba(211,175,55,.055),rgba(5,5,5,.9));overflow:hidden;transition:.25s ease}.login-card:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:72px;height:2px;background:var(--gold2)}.login-card b{font-size:1.35rem}.login-card span{margin-top:12px;line-height:1.5}.login-card:hover{transform:translateY(-3px);border-color:rgba(211,175,55,.65);background:linear-gradient(145deg,rgba(211,175,55,.1),rgba(5,5,5,.95))}
.site-footer{position:relative;padding:72px 0 48px;background:linear-gradient(180deg,#040404,#020202);border-top:0}.footer-grid{grid-template-columns:1.45fr .9fr .9fr .9fr;gap:48px;align-items:start}.footer-brand{grid-template-columns:1.35fr .8fr;gap:14px;align-items:center}.footer-brand img{height:78px;background:transparent;object-fit:contain;object-position:left center}.footer-brand p{margin:8px 0 0;color:#8b8b8b;font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:.8rem;letter-spacing:.05em}.site-footer h3{margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:10px}.footer-contact,.footer-social,.footer-links{gap:11px}.site-footer a,.site-footer span{font-size:.84rem;line-height:1.45}.legal{margin-top:52px;padding-top:28px;border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.13)}.legal p{color:#666;line-height:1.55}.legal p:last-child{margin-top:18px;color:#777}
@media(max-width:850px){.faq .accordion{grid-template-columns:1fr}.login-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.footer-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.footer-brand{grid-column:1/-1;max-width:520px}}
@media(max-width:700px){.faq .section-heading h2{font-size:2.5rem}.login-gateway .section-heading h2{font-size:2.8rem}.footer-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.footer-brand{grid-column:auto}.login-card{padding:28px 24px}}

/* Phase 1Z — final gateway + footer luxury polish */
.login-grid{gap:22px;max-width:940px}.login-card{min-height:128px;padding:36px 38px;box-shadow:inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(255,255,255,.012),0 18px 45px rgba(0,0,0,.18)}.login-card:after{content:"ENTER →";position:absolute;right:32px;bottom:27px;color:rgba(211,175,55,.7);font-size:.68rem;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.16em;opacity:0;transform:translateX(-8px);transition:.25s ease}.login-card:hover{transform:translateY(-5px);box-shadow:0 18px 48px rgba(183,130,22,.12),inset 0 0 40px rgba(211,175,55,.045)}.login-card:hover:after{opacity:1;transform:none}.login-card b{font-size:1.45rem;letter-spacing:.015em}.login-card span{font-size:.92rem;color:#b3b3b3}
.site-footer{padding:84px 0 52px;background:radial-gradient(circle at 24% 5%,rgba(183,130,22,.055),transparent 28%),linear-gradient(180deg,#050505,#020202)}.footer-grid{grid-template-columns:1.55fr .9fr .9fr .9fr;gap:54px;padding-top:4px}.footer-brand{grid-template-columns:1.45fr .78fr;gap:18px;align-items:center}.footer-brand img{height:94px;filter:drop-shadow(0 7px 18px rgba(183,130,22,.08))}.footer-brand p{font-size:.86rem;color:#9a9a9a;margin-top:12px}.site-footer h3{font-size:.9rem;letter-spacing:.16em;margin-bottom:14px}.footer-contact,.footer-social,.footer-links{gap:13px}.site-footer a,.site-footer span{font-size:.88rem;color:#b1b1b1}.legal{margin-top:58px;padding-top:30px;border-top:1px solid rgba(211,175,55,.2)}.legal p{font-size:.73rem;color:#747474;max-width:1120px}.legal p:last-child{color:#8a8a8a}
@media(max-width:700px){.login-card{min-height:auto;padding:30px 25px}.login-card:after{display:none}.footer-brand img{height:82px}.site-footer{padding-top:68px}}

/* Phase 2B — Empire Opportunity Application Experience */
.application-gateway{position:relative;background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 22%,rgba(185,129,15,.09),transparent 34%),#050505;border-top:1px solid rgba(214,164,38,.18);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(214,164,38,.18)}
.application-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:18px;max-width:1120px;margin:46px auto 0}
.application-card{position:relative;min-height:500px;padding:34px 38px 38px;border:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.35);background:linear-gradient(145deg,rgba(31,25,12,.55),rgba(5,5,5,.98) 50%);overflow:hidden}
.application-card:before{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;top:0;width:72px;height:2px;background:#e1aa24;box-shadow:0 0 18px rgba(225,170,36,.4)}
.application-card.core-app{background:linear-gradient(145deg,rgba(22,20,14,.72),rgba(5,5,5,.98) 52%)}
.application-logo{height:112px;display:flex;align-items:center;margin-bottom:25px}.application-logo img{max-width:360px;max-height:100px;object-fit:contain;object-position:left center}.application-logo.core img{max-width:190px;max-height:118px}
.application-step{color:#e1aa24;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:2.2px;margin:0 0 12px}.application-card h3{font-family:'Cinzel',serif;color:#f6f0e5;font-size:31px;line-height:1.12;margin:0 0 20px}.application-card>p:not(.application-step){color:#b9b1a3;line-height:1.75;max-width:520px}
.application-meta{display:flex;gap:9px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:28px 0}.application-meta span{border:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.3);padding:8px 11px;color:#d8a82b;font-size:10px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.3px}.application-btn{margin-top:8px}.application-note{max-width:1120px;margin:18px auto 0;border:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.22);padding:18px 22px;display:flex;gap:20px;align-items:center;background:rgba(211,161,39,.035)}.application-note strong{color:#e1aa24;letter-spacing:1.4px;font-size:11px;white-space:nowrap}.application-note span{color:#928b80;font-size:12px;line-height:1.6}
@media(max-width:800px){.application-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.application-card{min-height:auto;padding:28px 24px}.application-logo{height:90px}.application-logo img{max-width:290px}.application-note{align-items:flex-start;flex-direction:column;gap:8px}}

/* Phase 2C — Native Empire Application Flow */
.application-modal{position:fixed;inset:0;z-index:5000;display:none}.application-modal.open{display:block}.application-modal-backdrop{position:absolute;inset:0;background:rgba(0,0,0,.88);backdrop-filter:blur(7px)}.application-shell{position:absolute;inset:4vh 4vw;max-width:1280px;margin:auto;display:grid;grid-template-columns:360px 1fr;background:#060606;border:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.45);box-shadow:0 40px 120px #000;overflow:auto}.application-close{position:absolute;right:20px;top:14px;z-index:3;border:0;background:transparent;color:#d9aa24;font-size:34px;cursor:pointer}.application-rail{padding:52px 38px;background:radial-gradient(circle at 35% 12%,rgba(211,161,39,.13),transparent 28%),linear-gradient(180deg,#0d0b07,#050505);border-right:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.25)}.application-rail img{width:100%;max-width:265px;height:105px;object-fit:contain;object-position:left center;margin-bottom:35px}.application-rail-kicker{color:#d9aa24;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2.2px}.application-rail h2{font-family:Cinzel,serif;font-size:34px;line-height:1.08;color:#f5f0e7;margin:12px 0}.application-rail>p:not(.application-rail-kicker){color:#9e978b;line-height:1.7}.application-progress{margin:38px 0}.app-progress-item{display:grid;grid-template-columns:42px 1fr;gap:10px;padding:16px 0;border-top:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.14);color:#6f6a62}.app-progress-item:last-child{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.14)}.app-progress-item b{color:#80691f}.app-progress-item span{font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;font-weight:800}.app-progress-item.active{color:#f3eee5}.app-progress-item.active b{color:#d9aa24}.application-rail small{color:#655f56;font-size:9px;letter-spacing:1px;line-height:1.6}.application-form-panel{padding:52px 60px 42px;min-width:0}.app-form-top{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;gap:20px;padding-bottom:18px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.18);color:#d9aa24;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:1.8px}.app-form-top span:last-child{color:#706a61}.app-step{display:none;padding-top:42px}.app-step.active{display:block}.app-step h3{font-family:Cinzel,serif;color:#f5f0e7;font-size:clamp(2rem,4vw,3.4rem);line-height:1.05;margin:8px 0 12px}.app-intro{color:#9f998f;line-height:1.7;max-width:680px}.app-field-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:20px;margin-top:32px}.app-field-grid.one{grid-template-columns:1fr}.app-field-grid label{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px;color:#d4aa36;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:1.3px}.app-field-grid input,.app-field-grid select,.app-field-grid textarea{width:100%;background:#030303;color:#eee8dc;border:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.28);border-radius:0;padding:15px 14px;font:inherit;outline:none}.app-field-grid input:focus,.app-field-grid select:focus,.app-field-grid textarea:focus{border-color:#d9aa24;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px rgba(217,170,36,.18)}.app-form-actions{display:flex;gap:12px;align-items:center;margin-top:38px;padding-top:24px;border-top:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.16)}.app-back{display:none}.app-submit{display:none}.application-review{display:grid;gap:10px;margin:28px 0;padding:20px;border:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.2);background:rgba(211,161,39,.025)}.application-review div{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;gap:20px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.1);padding:9px 0}.application-review b{color:#d9aa24;font-size:10px;letter-spacing:1px}.application-review span{color:#d8d2c7;text-align:right}.app-consent{display:flex;gap:12px;color:#9b958b;font-size:12px;line-height:1.6}.app-consent input{accent-color:#d9aa24;margin-top:4px}.app-status{color:#d9aa24;font-size:12px;min-height:18px;margin-top:14px}.application-modal.app-core .application-rail{background:radial-gradient(circle at 35% 12%,rgba(211,161,39,.10),transparent 28%),linear-gradient(180deg,#0a0907,#050505)}
@media(max-width:850px){.application-shell{inset:2vh 2vw;grid-template-columns:1fr}.application-rail{padding:28px 24px;border-right:0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.25)}.application-rail img{height:70px;margin-bottom:16px}.application-rail h2,.application-rail>p:not(.application-rail-kicker),.application-rail small{display:none}.application-progress{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);margin:16px 0 0}.app-progress-item{display:block;text-align:center;padding:10px 3px;border-top:1px solid rgba(211,161,39,.14)}.app-progress-item:last-child{border-bottom:0}.app-progress-item b{display:block}.app-progress-item span{font-size:8px}.application-form-panel{padding:30px 24px}.app-field-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.app-form-top{padding-right:35px}.application-shell{max-height:96vh}.app-form-actions{flex-wrap:wrap}}