*/
    public void start() throws IOException {
        serverSocket = new ServerSocket(0); // Use any available port
        running.set(true);

        serverThread = new Thread(this::runServer, "MockWitnessService");
        serverThread.setDaemon(true);
        serverThread.start();

        log.info("Mock witness service started on port {}", serverSocket.getLocalPort());
    }

    /**