diff --git a/VERSION b/VERSION
index 437459c..73462a5 100644
--- a/VERSION
+++ b/VERSION
@@ -1 +1 @@
-2.5.0
+2.5.1
diff --git a/adapters/e2e/README.md b/adapters/e2e/README.md
index d22cc66..8725342 100644
--- a/adapters/e2e/README.md
+++ b/adapters/e2e/README.md
@@ -60,6 +60,10 @@ Save `--reporter json` output in `logs/` with the scenario ID.
   assignment in its viewer marked it submitted on the server. Before driving
   a flow on shared or seeded data, find out what opening, closing and
   navigating write, and use fixture accounts whose state may change.
+- A URL assertion right after `app.open` can pass on the address the app is
+  about to redirect away from: expecting the opened URL passed in the trial
+  although the app redirected to another page. Wait for an element only the
+  settled screen shows, then assert the URL.
 - An agent step absorbs a renamed control and still passes; only the det
   locator catches that regression. Keep det as the gate.
 - A wrong expectation after a correct replay evicts the correct recording;
diff --git a/adapters/e2e/templates/scenario.e2e.ts b/adapters/e2e/templates/scenario.e2e.ts
index 2deff6c..a62d97b 100644
--- a/adapters/e2e/templates/scenario.e2e.ts
+++ b/adapters/e2e/templates/scenario.e2e.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,9 @@ import { expect } from 'e2e';
 describe('S1 <persona> <behavior>', { session: 'user', tags: ['S1'] }, () => {
   test('det', { tags: ['det'] }, async ({ app, browser }) => {
     await app.open('/start');
+    // Wait for something only the settled screen shows before any URL check: right after
+    // open, toHaveURL can match the address the app is about to redirect away from.
+    await expect(browser.locator('nav')).toBeVisible();
     await browser.locator('nav >> text=Reports').tap();
     await expect(browser).toHaveURL('/reports');
     // A request the change must (or must not) send: record it, then assert.
diff --git a/log/changelog-v2.5.1.md b/log/changelog-v2.5.1.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3617656
--- /dev/null
+++ b/log/changelog-v2.5.1.md
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+# v2.5.1 — URL assertions wait for the settled screen
+
+A negative control run after v2.5.0 found a false pass in the e2e adapter's
+deterministic layer. Documentation and template only; no script change.
+
+## Changes
+
+- **URL checks after a redirect.** A test that opened `/a` and asserted
+  `toHaveURL('/a')` passed, although the app redirects `/a` to `/b`: the
+  assertion matched the address before the client-side redirect. The same
+  assertion after waiting for a rendered element failed as it should, and
+  the settled path was `/b`. `adapters/e2e/README.md` lists this under
+  "Limits seen in use", and `templates/scenario.e2e.ts` waits for a settled
+  element before its URL check. A test that expects the redirect target was
+  unaffected: `toHaveURL` waits until it matches.