diff --git a/src/bmm-skills/4-implementation/bmad-code-review/steps/step-04-present.md b/src/bmm-skills/4-implementation/bmad-code-review/steps/step-04-present.md
index 2610207cc..168f316bb 100644
--- a/src/bmm-skills/4-implementation/bmad-code-review/steps/step-04-present.md
+++ b/src/bmm-skills/4-implementation/bmad-code-review/steps/step-04-present.md
@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ deferred_work_file: '{implementation_artifacts}/deferred-work.md'
 ## RULES
 
 - YOU MUST ALWAYS SPEAK OUTPUT in your Agent communication style with the config `{communication_language}`
-- Always write findings to the story file before offering action choices.
-- Decision-needed findings must be resolved before handling patches.
+- When `{spec_file}` is set, always write findings to the story file before offering action choices.
+- `decision-needed` findings must be resolved before handling `patch` findings.
 
 ## INSTRUCTIONS
 
@@ -20,14 +20,14 @@ If zero findings remain after triage (all dismissed or none raised): state that
 
 If `{spec_file}` exists and contains a Tasks/Subtasks section, append a `### Review Findings` subsection. Write all findings in this order:
 
-1. **Decision needed** findings (unchecked):
-   `- [ ] [Review][Decision] {Title} — {Detail}`
+1. **`decision-needed`** findings (unchecked):
+   `- [ ] [Review][Decision] <Title> — <Detail>`
 
-2. **Patch** findings (unchecked):
-   `- [ ] [Review][Patch] {Title} [{file}:{line}]`
+2. **`patch`** findings (unchecked):
+   `- [ ] [Review][Patch] <Title> [<file>:<line>]`
 
-3. **Defer** findings (checked off, marked deferred):
-   `- [x] [Review][Defer] {Title} [{file}:{line}] — deferred, pre-existing`
+3. **`defer`** findings (checked off, marked deferred):
+   `- [x] [Review][Defer] <Title> [<file>:<line>] — deferred, pre-existing`
 
 Also append each `defer` finding to `{deferred_work_file}` under a heading `## Deferred from: code review ({date})`. If `{spec_file}` is set, include its basename in the heading (e.g., `code review of story-3.3 (2026-03-18)`). One bullet per finding with description.
 
@@ -35,24 +35,34 @@ Also append each `defer` finding to `{deferred_work_file}` under a heading `## D
 
 Announce what was written:
 
-> **Code review complete.** {D} decision-needed, {P} patch, {W} deferred, {R} dismissed as noise.
-> Findings written to the review findings section in `{spec_file}`.
+> **Code review complete.** <D> `decision-needed`, <P> `patch`, <W> `defer`, <R> dismissed as noise.
+
+If `{spec_file}` is set, add: `Findings written to the review findings section in {spec_file}.`
+Otherwise add: `Findings are listed above. No story file was provided, so nothing was persisted.`
 
 ### 4. Resolve decision-needed findings
 
 If `decision_needed` findings exist, present each one with its detail and the options available. The user must decide — the correct fix is ambiguous without their input. Walk through each finding (or batch related ones) and get the user's call. Once resolved, each becomes a `patch`, `defer`, or is dismissed.
 
-### 5. Handle patch findings
+### 5. Handle `patch` findings
 
-If `patch` findings exist (including any resolved from step 4), ask the user:
+If `patch` findings exist (including any resolved from step 4), HALT. Ask the user:
 
-> **How would you like to handle the {Z} patch findings?**
+If `{spec_file}` is set, present all three options:
+
+> **How would you like to handle the <Z> `patch` findings?**
 > 1. **Fix them automatically** — I will apply fixes now
 > 2. **Leave as action items** — they are already in the story file
 > 3. **Walk through each** — let me show details before deciding
 
-- **Option 1**: Apply each fix. After all patches are applied, present a summary of changes made and check off the items in the story file.
-- **Option 2**: Done — findings are already written to the story.
-- **Option 3**: Present each finding with full detail, diff context, and suggested fix. After walkthrough, re-offer options 1 and 2.
+If `{spec_file}` is **not** set, present only options 1 and 3 (omit option 2 — findings were not written to a file):
+
+> **How would you like to handle the <Z> `patch` findings?**
+> 1. **Fix them automatically** — I will apply fixes now
+> 2. **Walk through each** — let me show details before deciding
+
+- **Option 1**: Apply each fix. After all patches are applied, present a summary of changes made. If `{spec_file}` is set, check off the items in the story file.
+- **Option 2** (only when `{spec_file}` is set): Done — findings are already written to the story.
+- **Walk through each**: Present each finding with full detail, diff context, and suggested fix. After walkthrough, re-offer the applicable options above.
 
 Workflow complete.