diff --git a/tests/gateway/test_matrix.py b/tests/gateway/test_matrix.py
index 09cdd8a448..aa7309fe91 100644
--- a/tests/gateway/test_matrix.py
+++ b/tests/gateway/test_matrix.py
@@ -1943,7 +1943,7 @@ class TestMatrixReactions:
 
         with patch.dict("sys.modules", {"nio": fake_nio}):
             result = await self.adapter._send_reaction("!room:ex", "$event1", "👍")
-        assert result is True
+        assert result == "$reaction1"
         mock_client.room_send.assert_called_once()
         args = mock_client.room_send.call_args
         assert args[0][1] == "m.reaction"
@@ -1956,7 +1956,7 @@ class TestMatrixReactions:
         self.adapter._client = None
         with patch.dict("sys.modules", {"nio": _make_fake_nio()}):
             result = await self.adapter._send_reaction("!room:ex", "$ev", "👍")
-        assert result is False
+        assert result is None
 
     @pytest.mark.asyncio
     async def test_on_processing_start_sends_eyes(self):
@@ -1964,7 +1964,7 @@ class TestMatrixReactions:
         from gateway.platforms.base import MessageEvent, MessageType
 
         self.adapter._reactions_enabled = True
-        self.adapter._send_reaction = AsyncMock(return_value=True)
+        self.adapter._send_reaction = AsyncMock(return_value="$reaction_event_123")
 
         source = MagicMock()
         source.chat_id = "!room:ex"
@@ -1977,13 +1977,16 @@ class TestMatrixReactions:
         )
         await self.adapter.on_processing_start(event)
         self.adapter._send_reaction.assert_called_once_with("!room:ex", "$msg1", "👀")
+        assert self.adapter._pending_reactions == {("!room:ex", "$msg1"): "$reaction_event_123"}
 
     @pytest.mark.asyncio
     async def test_on_processing_complete_sends_check(self):
         from gateway.platforms.base import MessageEvent, MessageType, ProcessingOutcome
 
         self.adapter._reactions_enabled = True
-        self.adapter._send_reaction = AsyncMock(return_value=True)
+        self.adapter._pending_reactions = {("!room:ex", "$msg1"): "$eyes_reaction_123"}
+        self.adapter._redact_reaction = AsyncMock(return_value=True)
+        self.adapter._send_reaction = AsyncMock(return_value="$check_reaction_456")
 
         source = MagicMock()
         source.chat_id = "!room:ex"
@@ -1995,6 +1998,7 @@ class TestMatrixReactions:
             message_id="$msg1",
         )
         await self.adapter.on_processing_complete(event, ProcessingOutcome.SUCCESS)
+        self.adapter._redact_reaction.assert_called_once_with("!room:ex", "$eyes_reaction_123")
         self.adapter._send_reaction.assert_called_once_with("!room:ex", "$msg1", "✅")
 
     @pytest.mark.asyncio