diff --git a/tests/test_phase4.cpp b/tests/test_phase4.cpp
index 83b7309..8f2c7dd 100644
--- a/tests/test_phase4.cpp
+++ b/tests/test_phase4.cpp
@@ -12139,6 +12139,9 @@ void testLiteWalletControllerRetire()
     EXPECT_TRUE(c->importKeyAsync("secret-extended-key-x", [&](const LiteImportResult& r) { ++n2; ok2 = r.ok; }));
     const long entered = dragonx::test::g_liteFakeBalanceEntered.load();
     dragonx::test::g_liteFakeBlockBalance = true;
+    // The refresh worker change-gates (C23): it only runs `balance` on a full-refresh cycle. Bump the
+    // scanned height so the gate forces a DoFull, which enters the now-blocked `balance` and parks there.
+    dragonx::test::g_liteFakeHeight = dragonx::test::g_liteFakeHeight.load() + 1;
     for (int i = 0; i < 1000 && dragonx::test::g_liteFakeBalanceEntered.load() == entered; ++i)
         std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::milliseconds(5));
     EXPECT_TRUE(dragonx::test::g_liteFakeBalanceEntered.load() > entered);