/* Middleton strict brand system. Colours, type and buttons are controlled here for every page. */
:root{--navy:#031225;--navy-deep:#031225;--middleton-blue:#031225;--gold:#b69127;--gold-text:#80600e;--paper:#fffdfa;--cream:#fbfaf6;--ink:#031225;--muted:#59637b;--line:rgba(3,18,37,.14);--display:'Plus Jakarta Sans',system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Arial,sans-serif;--body:'Plus Jakarta Sans',system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Arial,sans-serif;--font-display:'Plus Jakarta Sans',system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Arial,sans-serif;--font-body:'Plus Jakarta Sans',system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Arial,sans-serif}
body{font-family:'Plus Jakarta Sans',system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Arial,sans-serif;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;text-rendering:optimizeLegibility}
h1,h2,h3,h4,.display,blockquote{font-family:'Plus Jakarta Sans',system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Arial,sans-serif!important;font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:-.03em}
.btn,.button,.submit-btn,.header-valuation,button[type="submit"],.elementor-button,.wp-element-button{border-radius:0!important;box-shadow:none!important;font-family:'Plus Jakarta Sans',system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Arial,sans-serif!important;font-weight:800!important;transition:background-color .15s ease,border-color .15s ease,color .15s ease!important}
input:not([type="checkbox"]):not([type="radio"]),select,textarea{border-radius:0!important;box-shadow:none}
:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #b69127;outline-offset:3px}
@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){*{scroll-behavior:auto!important;transition:none!important;animation:none!important}}

/* ---- v9: light, photo-led, editorial ---- */
.mx-top{display:none}
.mx-hd{box-shadow:none;border-bottom:3px solid var(--gold)}
.mx-hero{background:#fff;color:var(--navy)}
.mx-hero.bg:before{display:none}
.mx-hero.bg{background-image:none!important}
.mx-hero .mx-wrap{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:64px;padding:72px 0}
.mx-hero.nopic .mx-wrap{max-width:var(--w,1180px);margin-inline:auto;padding:64px 0 28px}
.mx-hero h1{color:var(--navy)!important;font-size:clamp(34px,4.2vw,54px)!important}
.mx-hero h1 i{color:var(--navy)!important;box-shadow:inset 0 -.14em 0 var(--gold)}
.mx-hero p.lede{color:var(--muted)!important}
.mx-hero .mx-eyebrow{color:var(--goldtext,#80600e)!important}
.mx-hero .mx-crumbs,.mx-hero .mx-crumbs a{color:var(--muted)!important}
.mx-hero figure img{border-radius:0!important;aspect-ratio:5/4!important}
.mx-btn.ghost{background:transparent!important;color:var(--navy)!important;border:1px solid var(--navy)!important}
.mx-hero .mx-meta,.mx-hero .mx-meta span{color:var(--muted)!important}
.mx-sec{padding:84px 0}
.mx-sec.cream{background:#f6f3ea}
.mx-card{border:0!important;border-top:3px solid var(--navy)!important;border-radius:0!important;background:#fff;padding:26px 0 0!important;background:transparent!important}
.mx-card.form{border:1px solid var(--line)!important;border-top:3px solid var(--gold)!important;background:#fff!important;padding:30px!important}
.mx-fees{background:#fff!important;color:var(--navy)!important;border:1px solid var(--line);border-top:3px solid var(--navy);border-radius:0!important}
.mx-fees .l h3,.mx-fees .l p{color:var(--navy)!important}
.mx-fees .l .mx-eyebrow{color:var(--goldtext,#80600e)!important}
.mx-fees .r{background:#f6f3ea!important;color:var(--navy)!important}
.mx-fees .r div{border-color:var(--line)!important}.mx-fees .r span{color:var(--muted)!important}.mx-fees .r b{color:var(--navy)!important}
.mx-table{border-radius:0!important}
img{border-radius:0}

/* ---- v10: less boxed, Plus Jakarta Sans ---- */
body,.mx{font-weight:400}
.mx-hero h1,.mx-h,.mx-band h2{font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:-.035em}
.mx-btn,.mx-links a,.mx-eyebrow{font-weight:700}
.mx-sec{padding:96px 0}
.mx-grid{gap:0 48px}
.mx-card{border-top:1px solid var(--navy)!important;padding-top:22px!important}
.mx-card h3{font-size:20px}
.mx-area{border:0!important;border-radius:0!important;box-shadow:none!important;background:transparent!important}
.mx-area img{border-radius:0!important}
.mx-post{border:0!important;border-top:1px solid var(--navy)!important;border-radius:0!important;background:transparent!important;box-shadow:none!important}
.mx-post img{display:none}
.mx-chips a{border:0!important;border-bottom:1px solid var(--navy)!important;border-radius:0!important;background:transparent!important;padding:6px 0!important}
.mx-chips{gap:8px 28px}
.mx-fees{border:0!important;border-top:1px solid var(--navy)!important;background:transparent!important}
.mx-fees .r{background:transparent!important}
.mx-table th{background:transparent!important;color:var(--navy)!important;border-bottom:2px solid var(--navy)!important}
.mx-table td{border-color:var(--line)!important}
.mx-table{border:0!important}
.mx-card.form{border:0!important;border-top:3px solid var(--gold)!important;background:#f6f3ea!important}
.mx-sec.cream{background:#f6f3ea}
.mx-hd{border-bottom:0}

/* ---- v11 home ---- */
.mx-proofbar{background:var(--navy);color:#fff}.mx-proofbar .mx-wrap{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto 1fr;gap:40px;align-items:center;padding:26px 0}
.mx-proofbar .g{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;font-weight:700;font-size:15px}.mx-proofbar .g b{font-size:26px;letter-spacing:-.02em}
.mx-proofbar .logos{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:18px}.mx-proofbar .logos img{width:100%;max-height:58px;object-fit:contain;background:#071d3a;padding:8px 14px}
.mx-svc{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:0 48px}
.mx-svc>div{border-top:1px solid var(--navy);padding:22px 0 34px}
.mx-svc h3{margin:0 0 8px;font-size:22px}.mx-svc p{margin:0 0 14px;color:var(--muted);font-size:15.5px}
.mx-svc .t{font-size:13px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.1em;color:var(--gold-t,#80600e);text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:10px;display:block}
.mx-svc ul{list-style:none;margin:0 0 16px;padding:0}.mx-svc li{padding:7px 0 7px 22px;position:relative;font-size:15px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)}.mx-svc li:before{content:'';position:absolute;left:0;top:14px;width:10px;height:5px;border-left:2px solid var(--gold);border-bottom:2px solid var(--gold);transform:rotate(-45deg)}
.mx-offer{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.1fr .9fr;gap:56px;align-items:center}
.mx-offer .big{font:800 clamp(64px,9vw,120px)/.9 var(--disp);color:var(--gold);letter-spacing:-.05em}
.mx-proofgrid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:0 48px}.mx-proofgrid>div{border-top:1px solid var(--navy);padding:20px 0 30px}.mx-proofgrid b{display:block;font:800 20px/1.2 var(--disp);letter-spacing:-.02em;margin-bottom:6px}.mx-proofgrid p{margin:0;color:var(--muted);font-size:15px}
.mx-team{display:grid;grid-template-columns:.8fr 1.2fr;gap:64px;align-items:center}.mx-team img{width:100%;aspect-ratio:4/5;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 20%}
@media(max-width:980px){.mx-svc,.mx-proofgrid,.mx-offer,.mx-team{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:28px}.mx-proofbar .mx-wrap{grid-template-columns:1fr}.mx-proofbar .logos{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}}

/* ---- v12: restyle original home sections ---- */
.google-rating,.google-rating *{color:var(--navy)!important}.google-rating .stars{color:#f5b400!important}
.hero{background:#fff!important;color:var(--navy)!important;min-height:0!important}
.hero:before,.hero:after,.hero-media:before,.hero-media:after{display:none!important}
.hero-grid{padding-top:64px!important;padding-bottom:64px!important}
.hero h1,.hero .display{color:var(--navy)!important}
.hero h1 span,.hero .display span,.hero h1 em{color:var(--navy)!important;font-style:normal!important;box-shadow:inset 0 -.14em 0 var(--gold)}
.hero .eyebrow{color:#80600e!important}
.hero-copy p,.hero-offer,.hero-proof,.hero-proof span{color:var(--muted)!important;text-shadow:none!important}
.hero-offer{color:var(--navy)!important;font-weight:700}
.hero-proof{border-top:1px solid var(--line)!important}
.hero .btn.light{background:transparent!important;color:var(--navy)!important;border:1px solid var(--navy)!important}
.hero-media{border-radius:0!important}.hero-media img{border-radius:0!important;object-fit:cover!important;object-position:50% 15%!important;width:100%!important;aspect-ratio:5/4!important;height:auto!important;max-height:none!important}
.hero-badge{display:none!important}
.paths,.middleton-ashington,.areas,.offer,.why,.middleton-faq,.testimonials{padding-top:84px!important;padding-bottom:84px!important}
.path-grid{gap:0 40px!important}
.path-card{border:0!important;border-top:1px solid var(--navy)!important;border-radius:0!important;box-shadow:none!important;background:transparent!important;overflow:visible!important}
.path-card .path-image{border-radius:0!important;margin-top:22px}
.path-card .path-image img{border-radius:0!important}
.path-card .route-icon{display:none!important}
.path-content{padding:20px 0 0!important}
.middleton-ashington__art,.middleton-faq__art{display:none!important}
.middleton-ashington__card{border:0!important;border-top:1px solid var(--navy)!important;border-radius:0!important;box-shadow:none!important;background:transparent!important;text-align:left!important;align-items:flex-start!important}
.middleton-ashington__icon{display:none!important}
.middleton-ashington__trust>*{border-radius:0!important}
.area-card{border-radius:0!important;box-shadow:none!important}
.areas-property-cta{border-radius:0!important}
.offer-panel{border-radius:0!important;box-shadow:none!important;border:0!important;background:transparent!important}
.offer-visual img{border-radius:0!important}
.offer-copy{background:transparent!important}
.regulation-band{border-radius:0!important}
.why-grid{border-radius:0!important;box-shadow:none!important;border:0!important;background:transparent!important}
.why-grid *{border-radius:0!important}.team-media img{border-radius:0!important}
.testimonials{background:#f6f3ea!important;color:var(--navy)!important}
.testimonials h2,.testimonials .display,.review-intro h2{color:var(--navy)!important}
.testimonials .intro,.review-intro p{color:var(--muted)!important}
.review-card{border-radius:0!important;box-shadow:none!important;border:1px solid var(--line)!important;background:#fff!important}
.reviews-link{color:var(--navy)!important}
.middleton-faq__item{border:0!important;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)!important;border-radius:0!important;box-shadow:none!important;background:transparent!important}
.final{border-radius:0!important}
.btn,.btn *{border-radius:0!important}

/* ---- v13 ---- */
.hero.hx{background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(3,18,37,.94) 0%,rgba(3,18,37,.82) 45%,rgba(3,18,37,.45) 100%),url(/assets/route-let-number-10-wide.jpg) center/cover!important;color:#fff!important}
.hx-grid{display:grid!important;grid-template-columns:1.15fr .85fr!important;gap:64px!important;align-items:center!important;padding-top:84px!important;padding-bottom:84px!important}
.hero.hx h1,.hero.hx .display{color:#fff!important;font-size:clamp(40px,5vw,68px)!important;line-height:1.04!important}
.hero.hx h1 span{color:var(--gold)!important;box-shadow:none!important}
.hero.hx .eyebrow{color:#e0c566!important}
.hx-lede{color:#d6dcea!important;font-size:19px;max-width:560px}
.hx-list{list-style:none;margin:22px 0 28px;padding:0;display:grid;gap:10px}.hx-list li{padding-left:28px;position:relative;color:#fff;font-weight:600}.hx-list li:before{content:'';position:absolute;left:0;top:7px;width:12px;height:6px;border-left:2px solid var(--gold);border-bottom:2px solid var(--gold);transform:rotate(-45deg)}
.hero.hx .btn.light{border-color:#fff!important;color:#fff!important}
.hx-card{background:#fff;color:var(--navy);padding:34px;border-top:4px solid var(--gold)}
.hx-card h2{margin:10px 0 6px;font-size:26px;color:var(--navy)}.hx-card p{color:var(--muted);margin:0 0 18px;font-size:15px}
.hx-flag{display:inline-block;background:var(--navy);color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;padding:6px 10px;letter-spacing:.02em}
.hx-card label{display:block;font-weight:700;font-size:13px;margin-bottom:12px}.hx-card input{display:block;width:100%;margin-top:5px;padding:12px;border:1px solid rgba(3,18,37,.3);font:inherit;font-weight:400}
.hx-card .mx-btn{width:100%;justify-content:center;margin-top:6px}.hx-card .mx-note{font-size:12px;margin-top:12px}
.hero.hx .hero-copy p.hx-lede{color:#d6dcea!important}
.offer-visual{position:relative}.hx-badge{position:absolute;left:18px;top:18px;width:104px;height:104px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--gold);color:var(--navy);display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:center;text-align:center;font-size:11px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.15;text-transform:uppercase}.hx-badge b{font:800 34px/1 var(--disp)}
h2.display,.section-head .display,.paths h2,.offer h2,.why h2,.middleton-faq h2,.middleton-ashington h2{font-size:clamp(32px,3.6vw,48px)!important;line-height:1.08!important}
.eyebrow{letter-spacing:.14em!important;font-weight:800!important}
@media(max-width:980px){.hx-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important;gap:36px!important}}

/* ---- v14 ---- */
.mx-hd.over{position:fixed;left:0;right:0;top:0;background:transparent;border-bottom:0;transition:background .25s ease}
.mx-hd.over.scrolled,.mx-hd.over:has(.mx-links.open){background:var(--navy)}
.hero.hx .hx-grid{padding-top:170px!important;padding-bottom:90px!important}
.hx-list li{padding-left:34px!important}.hx-list li b{display:block;font-size:18px}.hx-list li span{display:block;color:#c6cee0;font-weight:400;font-size:15px}.hx-list li:before{top:9px!important}
.mx-proofbar .logos{align-items:center}.mx-proofbar .logos img{background:transparent!important;padding:0!important;height:46px;object-fit:contain;max-height:none}
.paths .path-grid{gap:24px!important}
.paths .path-card{position:relative!important;display:block!important;min-height:440px;overflow:hidden!important;border:0!important;background:var(--navy)!important}
.paths .path-card .path-image{position:absolute!important;inset:0;margin:0!important;height:auto!important}
.paths .path-card .path-image img{width:100%!important;height:100%!important;object-fit:cover!important;transition:transform .4s ease}
.paths .path-card:hover .path-image img{transform:scale(1.03)}
.paths .path-card .path-content{position:absolute!important;left:0;right:0;bottom:0;padding:90px 28px 28px!important;background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(3,18,37,0),rgba(3,18,37,.92) 55%)!important;color:#fff!important}
.paths .path-card h3{color:#fff!important;font-size:28px!important}.paths .path-card p{color:#e3e8f2!important}
.paths .path-card .text-link{display:inline-block;margin-top:10px;background:var(--gold);color:var(--navy)!important;padding:11px 18px;font-weight:800!important;letter-spacing:.04em}
.hx-offer{background:var(--navy)!important;color:#fff!important;padding:96px 0!important}
.hx-offer-grid{display:grid!important;grid-template-columns:1.1fr .9fr!important;gap:64px!important;align-items:center!important}
.hx-tag{display:inline-block;background:var(--gold);color:var(--navy);font-weight:800;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;padding:7px 12px;margin-bottom:20px}
.hx-offer h2{color:#fff!important;font-size:clamp(34px,4.4vw,58px)!important;line-height:1.05!important;margin:0 0 18px!important}.hx-offer h2 span{color:var(--gold)}
.hx-offer-lead{color:#d6dcea;font-size:18px;max-width:560px}
.hx-steps{list-style:none;margin:28px 0;padding:0;display:grid;gap:0;border-top:1px solid #ffffff33}.hx-steps li{padding:16px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #ffffff33}.hx-steps b{display:block;font-size:18px;color:#fff}.hx-steps span{color:#c6cee0;font-size:15.5px}
.hx-cta{display:flex;gap:12px;flex-wrap:wrap}.hx-offer .btn.light{background:transparent!important;color:#fff!important;border:1px solid #fff!important}
.hx-fine{color:#aeb9cf;font-size:13px;margin-top:14px}
.hx-offer-media{position:relative;padding-bottom:70px}.hx-offer-media>img{width:100%;aspect-ratio:4/5;object-fit:cover;display:block}
.hx-bigbadge{position:absolute;right:-18px;top:-18px;width:150px;height:150px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--gold);color:var(--navy);display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:center;text-align:center;font-weight:800;text-transform:uppercase;line-height:1.05;font-size:15px}.hx-bigbadge b{font:800 64px/1 var(--disp);letter-spacing:-.04em}
.hx-incl{position:absolute;left:-28px;right:28px;bottom:0;background:#fff;color:var(--navy);padding:22px 26px}.hx-incl h3{margin:0 0 10px;font-size:16px;color:var(--navy)}.hx-incl ul{list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:6px 18px}.hx-incl li{font-size:14px;padding-left:20px;position:relative}.hx-incl li:before{content:'';position:absolute;left:0;top:6px;width:9px;height:5px;border-left:2px solid var(--gold);border-bottom:2px solid var(--gold);transform:rotate(-45deg)}
.mx-post img{display:block!important;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:cover}
.mx-post{border-top:0!important}.mx-post .bd{padding:20px 0 0!important}
@media(max-width:980px){.hx-offer-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important;gap:48px!important}.hx-bigbadge{right:8px;width:110px;height:110px}.hx-bigbadge b{font-size:44px}.hx-incl{left:12px;right:12px}.hero.hx .hx-grid{padding-top:130px!important}}
@media(max-width:560px){.hx-incl ul{grid-template-columns:1fr}.hx-offer-media{padding-bottom:140px}}

.hx-josh{position:relative}.hx-josh img{width:100%;aspect-ratio:4/5;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 25%;display:block}
.hx-josh .cap{position:absolute;left:0;right:0;bottom:0;padding:90px 28px 28px;background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(3,18,37,0),rgba(3,18,37,.92) 60%);color:#fff}.hx-josh .cap b{display:block;font:800 22px var(--disp);margin-bottom:6px}.hx-josh .cap span{font-size:15px;color:#e3e8f2;line-height:1.5;display:block;max-width:360px}
.hx-offer-media>img{display:none}

.hx-offer-media{padding-bottom:0!important}.hx-incl{position:relative!important;left:auto!important;right:auto!important;bottom:auto!important;margin:0 0 0 0}
@media(max-width:560px){.hx-offer-media{padding-bottom:0!important}}

/* ---- v17 ---- */
.hero.hx{background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(3,18,37,.92) 0%,rgba(3,18,37,.62) 48%,rgba(3,18,37,.12) 100%),url(/assets/newcastle-quayside.png) center/cover!important}
.hx-card{background:rgba(3,18,37,.78)!important;backdrop-filter:blur(10px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(10px);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.2)!important;border-top:4px solid var(--gold)!important;color:#fff!important;padding:30px!important;max-width:440px;justify-self:end;width:100%}
.hx-card h2{color:#fff!important;font-size:24px!important}.hx-card p{color:#d6dcea!important}
.hx-flag{background:var(--gold)!important;color:var(--navy)!important}
.hx-card .sr{position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0 0 0 0)}
.hx-card label{margin-bottom:10px!important}
.hx-card input{height:48px;padding:0 14px!important;margin-top:0!important;border:0!important;background:#fff!important;color:var(--navy)}
.hx-card .mx-note,.hx-card .mx-note a{color:#aeb9cf!important}
.why-copy:after{display:none!important}
.why-grid .team-media{overflow:hidden}.why-grid .team-media img{border-radius:200px 0 0 200px!important}
.why-grid .team-media:after{display:none!important}
.team-media{position:relative}.hx-names{position:absolute;left:34px;bottom:26px;color:#fff;background:rgba(3,18,37,.82);padding:12px 18px}.hx-names b{display:block;font:800 18px var(--disp)}.hx-names span{font-size:13px;color:#d6dcea}

.why-grid .team-media,.team-media{background:transparent!important}

/* ---- v18 step form ---- */
.hx-top{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#d6dcea;margin:18px 0 8px}
.hx-bar{height:6px;background:#ffffff2b;margin-bottom:18px}.hx-bar i{display:block;height:100%;width:33.33%;background:var(--gold);transition:width .25s ease}
.hx-form h3{margin:0 0 14px;font-size:20px;color:#fff}
.hx-form label{display:block;margin-bottom:10px}.hx-form .sr{position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0 0 0 0)}
.hx-form input,.hx-form select{width:100%;height:50px;padding:0 14px;border:0;background:#fff;color:var(--navy);font:inherit;font-size:16px;border-radius:0}
.hx-form .mx-btn{width:100%;justify-content:center;margin-top:6px}
.hx-nav{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto 1fr;gap:10px;align-items:center}.hx-nav .mx-btn{margin-top:0}
.hx-back{background:transparent;color:#fff;border:1px solid #ffffff66;height:48px;padding:0 18px;font:inherit;font-weight:700;cursor:pointer}
.hx-form .mx-st{margin:10px 0 0;color:#fff;font-weight:600}.hx-form .mx-st.err{color:#ffb4b4}
.hx-form .mx-note,.hx-form .mx-note a{color:#aeb9cf!important;font-size:12.5px;margin-top:14px}
.hx-form[hidden],.hx-step[hidden]{display:none!important}

/* ---- v19 conversion ---- */
.hx-trust{margin:14px 0 0;font-size:13px;color:#d6dcea;font-weight:600}
.hx-mini{display:flex;max-width:560px;margin:26px auto 0;gap:0}
.hx-mini input{flex:1;height:58px;padding:0 18px;border:0;font:inherit;font-size:17px;color:var(--navy);min-width:0;border-radius:0}
.hx-mini .btn{height:58px;border-radius:0;white-space:nowrap}
.hx-mini-note{text-align:center;color:#c6cee0;font-size:13px;margin:12px 0 0}
.hx-mini .sr{position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0 0 0 0)}
@media(max-width:560px){.hx-mini{flex-direction:column;gap:8px}}

/* ---- v20 ---- */
.hx-trust{display:flex!important;align-items:center;gap:8px;flex-wrap:nowrap;background:#ffffff14;padding:10px 12px;margin:16px 0 0!important;font-size:14px!important;color:#fff!important;white-space:nowrap}
.hx-trust b{font-size:17px}.hx-trust .st{color:#f5b400;letter-spacing:.08em;font-size:15px}
.hx-ic{position:relative;display:inline-flex;width:72px;height:72px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--navy);align-items:center;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:16px;z-index:0}
.hx-ic:before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:-9px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(182,145,39,.16);z-index:-1}
.hx-ic svg{width:38px;height:38px}
.middleton-ashington__card{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start!important;text-align:left!important;padding:30px 0 0!important}
.middleton-ashington__card .hx-ic{margin-left:9px;margin-top:9px}
.why-grid .team-media{display:flex;justify-content:center;align-items:flex-end;background:transparent!important}
.why-grid .team-media img{width:min(100%,480px)!important;height:auto!important;aspect-ratio:4/5;object-fit:cover!important;border-radius:999px 999px 0 0!important}
.hx-names{left:50%!important;transform:translateX(-50%);bottom:18px!important;text-align:center}

/* ---- v21 google widget + ask ---- */
.gr-sec{padding:84px 0}
.gr-head{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:24px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin-bottom:28px}
.gr-head h2{margin:0 0 10px;font-size:clamp(26px,3vw,38px)}
.gr-sum{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;flex-wrap:wrap;color:var(--muted);font-size:15px}.gr-sum b{color:var(--navy);font-size:20px}
.gr-st{color:#f5b400;letter-spacing:.08em;font-size:18px}
.gr-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:20px}
.gr-card{background:#fff;border:1px solid rgba(3,18,37,.12);border-radius:14px;padding:24px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(3,18,37,.05)}
.gr-top{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px}.gr-top>div{flex:1}.gr-top b{display:block;font-size:16px;color:var(--navy)}.gr-top time{font-size:13px;color:#6b7488}
.gr-av{width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:50%;color:#fff;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-weight:700;font-size:15px}
.gr-card p{margin:0;font-size:16px;line-height:1.55;color:#1d2433}
.testimonials+*{}
.hx-ask{padding:96px 0;background:#fff}
.hx-ask-head{max-width:760px;margin-bottom:40px}.hx-ask-head h2{font-size:clamp(32px,4vw,52px)!important;line-height:1.08!important}
.hx-ask-list{border-top:2px solid var(--navy)}
.hx-ask-list .row{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1.2fr;gap:40px;padding:26px 0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(3,18,37,.14);align-items:start}
.hx-ask-list .q{font:800 22px/1.25 var(--disp);letter-spacing:-.02em;color:var(--navy)}
.hx-ask-list .a{display:flex;gap:14px}.hx-ask-list .a p{margin:0;color:#3b4660;font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.55}.hx-ask-list .a b{color:var(--navy)}
.hx-ask-list .tick{flex:0 0 26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--gold);position:relative;margin-top:1px}.hx-ask-list .tick:after{content:'';position:absolute;left:8px;top:7px;width:10px;height:5px;border-left:2px solid var(--navy);border-bottom:2px solid var(--navy);transform:rotate(-45deg)}
.hx-ask-cta{display:flex;gap:24px;align-items:center;margin-top:34px;flex-wrap:wrap}.hx-link{font-weight:800;color:var(--navy);border-bottom:2px solid var(--gold);padding-bottom:3px}
@media(max-width:900px){.gr-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.hx-ask-list .row{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:12px}}

.hx-ask-list .q{font-weight:800!important;font-size:21px!important}

.paths .path-grid{display:grid!important;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr)!important;gap:22px!important}
.paths .tc{position:relative;display:flex;flex-direction:column;border-radius:28px;padding:30px 28px 26px;min-height:0;text-decoration:none;overflow:hidden;transition:transform .25s ease}
.paths .tc:hover{transform:translateY(-4px)}
.paths .tc .tc-q{font-size:clamp(24px,2.3vw,30px);font-weight:800;letter-spacing:-.02em;line-height:1.1;margin:0 0 20px}
.paths .tc .tc-img{aspect-ratio:1/.78;border-radius:999px 999px 0 0;overflow:hidden;margin:0 0 22px;width:100%}
.paths .tc .tc-img img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;display:block}
.paths .tc .tc-eb{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.32em;margin:0 0 6px}
.paths .tc h3{font-size:clamp(30px,3vw,40px)!important;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:-.03em;line-height:1.02;margin:0 0 10px}
.paths .tc p.tc-s{font-size:17px;line-height:1.4;margin:0 0 22px;flex:1}
.paths .tc .tc-btn{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;border:2px solid currentColor;border-radius:999px;padding:15px 22px;font-weight:700;font-size:17px}
.paths .tc-navy{background:#031225;color:#fff}.paths .tc-navy h3,.paths .tc-navy .tc-q{color:#fff!important}
.paths .tc-gold{background:#b69127;color:#031225}.paths .tc-gold h3,.paths .tc-gold .tc-q{color:#031225!important}
.paths .tc-cream{background:#e7e0d2;color:#031225}.paths .tc-cream h3,.paths .tc-cream .tc-q{color:#031225!important}
@media(max-width:900px){.paths .path-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}}
.paths .tc .tc-s,.paths .tc .tc-eb{color:inherit!important;opacity:1!important}.paths .tc-navy .tc-s{color:#e3e8f2!important}.paths .tc .tc-btn{color:inherit!important}

.paths .path-grid{grid-template-columns:1.3fr 1fr 1fr!important;align-items:stretch}
.paths .tc{--ease-out:cubic-bezier(.23,1,.32,1);transform:none!important;transition:background-color .2s ease}
.paths .tc-navy{padding:36px 34px 30px}
.paths .tc-navy .tc-q{font-size:clamp(28px,2.8vw,38px)}
.paths .tc-navy h3{font-size:clamp(34px,3.4vw,48px)!important}
.paths .tc-navy .tc-btn{background:#b69127;border-color:#b69127;color:#031225!important}
.paths .tc-cream .tc-img{aspect-ratio:1/.92}
.paths .tc .tc-img img{filter:saturate(.94) contrast(1.03);transition:transform .45s var(--ease-out)}
.paths .tc .tc-btn{transition:background-color .16s ease,color .16s ease,transform .16s var(--ease-out)}
.paths .tc .tc-btn span{display:inline-block;transition:transform .2s var(--ease-out)}
.paths .tc:active .tc-btn{transform:scale(.97)}
.paths .tc:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #b69127;outline-offset:3px}
@media (hover:hover) and (pointer:fine){
 .paths .tc:hover .tc-img img{transform:scale(1.04)}
 .paths .tc:hover .tc-btn span{transform:translateX(5px)}
 .paths .tc-cream:hover{background:#ded5c3}
 .paths .tc-cream:hover .tc-btn{background:#031225;color:#fff!important}
 .paths .tc-navy:hover .tc-btn{background:#d4aa38;border-color:#d4aa38}
}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.paths .tc .tc-img img,.paths .tc .tc-btn span{transition:none}.paths .tc:hover .tc-img img,.paths .tc:hover .tc-btn span{transform:none}}
@media(max-width:900px){.paths .path-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}}

.paths .path-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr)!important}
.paths .tc-navy{padding:30px 28px 26px}.paths .tc-navy .tc-q{font-size:clamp(24px,2.3vw,30px)}.paths .tc-navy h3{font-size:clamp(30px,3vw,40px)!important}
.paths .tc-navy .tc-btn{background:transparent;border-color:currentColor;color:#fff!important}
.paths .tc .tc-img,.paths .tc-cream .tc-img{width:84%;aspect-ratio:auto;height:auto;border-radius:999px 999px 0 0}
.paths .tc .tc-img{aspect-ratio:1/.56!important}.paths .tc .tc-img img{height:100%;width:100%;object-fit:cover;filter:none}
.paths .tc .tc-eb{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.32em;margin:0 0 8px;color:inherit!important}
@media (hover:hover) and (pointer:fine){.paths .tc-navy:hover .tc-btn{background:#fff;color:#031225!important;border-color:#fff}.paths .tc-gold:hover .tc-btn{background:#031225;color:#fff!important}}
@media(max-width:900px){.paths .tc .tc-img{width:100%}}

.mx-hero.lx{background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(3,18,37,.95) 0%,rgba(3,18,37,.84) 48%,rgba(3,18,37,.5) 100%),var(--bg) center/cover}
.mx-hero.lx .mx-wrap{grid-template-columns:1.05fr .95fr;gap:56px;align-items:center;padding:150px 0 84px}
.mx-hero.lx h1{font-size:clamp(36px,4.6vw,60px)!important;line-height:1.05!important;color:#fff!important}.mx-hero.lx h1 i{color:var(--gold)!important;font-style:normal}.mx-hero.lx .mx-eyebrow{color:#e0c566!important}
.mx-hero.lx .lede{color:#d6dcea!important;font-size:19px;max-width:560px}
.mx-hero.lx .mx-crumbs,.mx-hero.lx .mx-crumbs a{color:#c6cee0}
.mx-hero.lx .hx-list{list-style:none;margin:24px 0 0;padding:0;display:grid;gap:12px}
.mx-hero.lx .hx-list li{padding-left:34px;position:relative;color:#fff}.mx-hero.lx .hx-list li b{display:block;font-size:18px}.mx-hero.lx .hx-list li span{display:block;color:#c6cee0;font-size:15px}
.mx-hero.lx .hx-list li:before{content:'';position:absolute;left:0;top:7px;width:12px;height:6px;border-left:2px solid var(--gold);border-bottom:2px solid var(--gold);transform:rotate(-45deg)}
.mx-hero.lx .hx-card{margin:0}
.mx-band .hx-mini{margin:26px auto 0}.mx-band .hx-mini .mx-btn{height:58px;border-radius:0;white-space:nowrap}.mx-band .hx-mini-note{margin-top:14px}
.mx-town{display:flex;flex-direction:column;padding:26px 24px;border-top:3px solid var(--navy);background:#fff;text-decoration:none;color:var(--navy);transition:background-color .2s ease}
.mx-town .pc{font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--gold-text)}
.mx-town h3{font-size:30px;letter-spacing:-.03em;margin:8px 0 6px}.mx-town p{margin:0 0 20px;color:#44506a;flex:1}
.mx-town .go{font-weight:700}
@media (hover:hover) and (pointer:fine){.mx-town:hover{background:#f6f3ea}.mx-town:hover .go{text-decoration:underline}}
@media(max-width:980px){.mx-hero.lx .mx-wrap{grid-template-columns:1fr;padding:120px 0 56px}}

.hx-card .mx-btn.ghost{background:transparent!important;color:#fff!important;border:2px solid #fff!important;margin-top:10px;width:100%;justify-content:center}
.paths{padding:72px 0}.paths .section-head{margin-bottom:34px}.paths .section-head .mx-h{margin-top:6px}
.local-knowledge__map .mx-chips a{color:#fff!important;border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.5)!important;background:transparent!important}
.local-knowledge__map .mx-chips{justify-content:flex-start}

.local-knowledge__map.lk-grid{display:grid!important;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:14px;align-self:center;width:100%;min-width:0;max-width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;justify-self:stretch;padding-right:0;margin:0}.lk-grid a{min-width:0}
.local-knowledge__inner{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,.8fr) minmax(0,1.2fr)!important}@media(max-width:900px){.local-knowledge__inner{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}}
.lk-grid a{position:relative;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:6px;padding:22px 20px 20px;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.28);border-top:3px solid var(--gold);background:rgba(255,255,255,.05);color:#fff;text-decoration:none;transition:background-color .2s ease}
.lk-grid a span{font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.14em;color:#e0c566}
.lk-grid a b{font-size:22px;letter-spacing:-.02em;line-height:1.1}
.lk-grid a i{font-style:normal;margin-top:10px;font-weight:700;transition:transform .2s cubic-bezier(.23,1,.32,1)}
.lk-grid a:active{transform:scale(.98)}
@media (hover:hover) and (pointer:fine){.lk-grid a:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.12)}.lk-grid a:hover i{transform:translateX(5px)}}
@media(max-width:900px){.local-knowledge__map.lk-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;justify-self:stretch;margin-top:28px}}

.mx-std{background:var(--navy);color:#fff;padding:84px 0}
.mx-std-head{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:56px;align-items:end;margin-bottom:46px}
.mx-std-head .mx-eyebrow{grid-column:1/-1;margin:0 0 -34px}
.mx-std-head h2{margin:0;color:#fff;font:700 clamp(32px,3.8vw,50px)/1.05 var(--disp);letter-spacing:-.03em;max-width:20ch}
.mx-std-head p:not(.mx-eyebrow){margin:0;color:#c6cee0;font-size:18px;max-width:520px;justify-self:end}
.mx-std-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.25)}
.mx-std-item{padding:30px 26px 6px 0;margin-right:26px;border-right:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.18)}
.mx-std-item:last-child{border-right:0;margin-right:0}
.mx-std-item img{height:52px;width:auto;max-width:100%;object-fit:contain;object-position:left;margin-bottom:22px;display:block}
.mx-std-item h3{margin:0 0 8px;font-size:20px;color:#fff;letter-spacing:-.01em}
.mx-std-item p{margin:0;color:#c6cee0;font-size:16px;line-height:1.5}
@media(max-width:980px){.mx-std-head{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:18px}.mx-std-head .mx-eyebrow{margin:0}.mx-std-head p:not(.mx-eyebrow){justify-self:start}.mx-std-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.mx-std-item{border-right:0;margin-right:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:26px}}
@media(max-width:560px){.mx-std-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}}
.lk-grid a{min-height:178px}
.lk-grid a em{font-style:normal;color:#c6cee0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.35}
.lk-grid a i{margin-top:auto;padding-top:14px;font-size:14px}
.lk-grid a.home{background:var(--gold);border-color:var(--gold);color:var(--navy)}
.lk-grid a.home span,.lk-grid a.home em,.lk-grid a.home b,.lk-grid a.home i{color:var(--navy)}
@media (hover:hover) and (pointer:fine){.lk-grid a.home:hover{background:#c9a233}}

.local-knowledge{background:#f6f3ea!important;background-image:none!important}
.local-knowledge .local-knowledge__title{color:var(--navy)!important}
.local-knowledge .local-knowledge__body{color:#44506a!important}
.local-knowledge .local-knowledge__eyebrow{color:var(--gold-text)!important}
.local-knowledge .local-knowledge__link{color:var(--navy)!important;border-bottom-color:var(--navy)!important}
.local-knowledge .local-knowledge__rule{background:var(--gold)!important}
.lk-grid a{background:var(--navy)!important;border:0!important;border-top:3px solid var(--gold)!important}
.lk-grid a.home{background:var(--gold)!important}
@media (hover:hover) and (pointer:fine){.lk-grid a:hover{background:#0c2342!important}.lk-grid a.home:hover{background:#c9a233!important}}

.mx-steps{display:flex!important;gap:0!important;border-top:0!important;grid-template-columns:none!important}
.mx-step,.mx-step+.mx-step{flex:1 1 0;position:relative;padding:0 40px 0 0!important;border:0!important;margin:0}
.mx-step i{display:grid;place-items:center;width:56px;height:56px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--navy);color:#e0c566;font:800 19px var(--disp);font-style:normal;letter-spacing:.02em;margin:0 0 26px;position:relative;z-index:1}
.mx-step:not(:last-child):before{content:'';position:absolute;left:68px;right:14px;top:27px;height:2px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--gold),rgba(182,145,39,.25))}
.mx-step h3{margin:0 0 10px;font-size:clamp(21px,2vw,25px);letter-spacing:-.02em;line-height:1.15;color:var(--navy)}
.mx-step p{margin:0;font-size:17px;line-height:1.55;color:#44506a;max-width:34ch}
@media(max-width:900px){
 .mx-steps{flex-direction:column!important;gap:34px!important}
 .mx-step,.mx-step+.mx-step{padding:0 0 0 78px!important}
 .mx-step i{position:absolute;left:0;top:0;margin:0}
 .mx-step:not(:last-child):before{left:27px;right:auto;top:62px;bottom:-30px;width:2px;height:auto;background:linear-gradient(180deg,var(--gold),rgba(182,145,39,.25))}
 .mx-step p{max-width:none}
}

.mx-proofbar .logos{grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(130px,1fr))!important}
.mx-std-ico{display:inline-grid;place-items:center;height:52px;min-width:52px;padding:0 14px;margin-bottom:22px;border:2px solid #fff;border-radius:6px;font:800 24px var(--disp);letter-spacing:.06em;color:#fff}
.mx-std-item small{display:block;margin-top:12px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.06em;color:#e0c566}

.mx-stats{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);border-top:1px solid var(--navy)}
.mx-stats>div{padding:28px 24px 8px 0;margin-right:24px;border-right:1px solid rgba(3,18,37,.15)}.mx-stats>div:last-child{border-right:0;margin-right:0}
.mx-stats b{display:block;font:800 clamp(34px,3.6vw,48px)/1 var(--disp);letter-spacing:-.03em;color:var(--navy)}
.mx-stats span{display:block;margin-top:10px;color:#44506a;font-size:16px;line-height:1.45}
.mx-table small{color:#5b6680;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.08em}
.mx-src li{margin-bottom:12px}.mx-src a{text-decoration:underline}
@media(max-width:980px){.mx-stats{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.mx-stats>div{border-right:0;margin-right:0;padding-bottom:20px}}
@media(max-width:560px){.mx-stats{grid-template-columns:1fr}}

@media(max-width:980px){.mx-links.open{opacity:1!important;visibility:visible!important;pointer-events:auto!important;transform:none!important;display:flex!important}}
@media(max-width:700px){
 .mx-mbar{transform:translateY(115%);transition:transform .25s cubic-bezier(.23,1,.32,1)}
 .mx-mbar.show{transform:none}.mx-mbar.hide{transform:translateY(115%)!important}
 .mx-ft{padding-bottom:78px}
}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.mx-mbar{transition:none}}