diff --git a/backend/igny8_core/ai/engine.py b/backend/igny8_core/ai/engine.py
index 3507f6e1..ea2240da 100644
--- a/backend/igny8_core/ai/engine.py
+++ b/backend/igny8_core/ai/engine.py
@@ -193,6 +193,12 @@ class AIEngine:
             self.tracker.update("PREP", 25, prep_message, meta=self.step_tracker.get_meta())
             
             # Phase 3: AI_CALL - Provider API Call (25-70%)
+            # Validate account exists before proceeding
+            if not self.account:
+                error_msg = "Account is required for AI function execution"
+                logger.error(f"[AIEngine] {error_msg}")
+                return self._handle_error(error_msg, fn)
+            
             ai_core = AICore(account=self.account)
             function_name = fn.get_name()
             
@@ -201,29 +207,21 @@ class AIEngine:
             function_id_base = function_name.replace('_', '-')
             function_id = f"ai-{function_id_base}-01-desktop"
             
-            # Get model config from settings (Stage 4 requirement)
-            # Pass account to read model from IntegrationSettings
-            model_config = get_model_config(function_name, account=self.account)
-            model = model_config.get('model')
-            
-            # Read model straight from IntegrationSettings for visibility
-            model_from_integration = None
-            if self.account:
-                try:
-                    from igny8_core.modules.system.models import IntegrationSettings
-                    openai_settings = IntegrationSettings.objects.filter(
-                        integration_type='openai',
-                        account=self.account,
-                        is_active=True
-                    ).first()
-                    if openai_settings and openai_settings.config:
-                        model_from_integration = openai_settings.config.get('model')
-                except Exception as integration_error:
-                    logger.warning(
-                        "[AIEngine] Unable to read model from IntegrationSettings: %s",
-                        integration_error,
-                        exc_info=True,
-                    )
+            # Get model config from settings (requires account)
+            # This will raise ValueError if IntegrationSettings not configured
+            try:
+                model_config = get_model_config(function_name, account=self.account)
+                model = model_config.get('model')
+            except ValueError as e:
+                # IntegrationSettings not configured or model missing
+                error_msg = str(e)
+                logger.error(f"[AIEngine] {error_msg}")
+                return self._handle_error(error_msg, fn)
+            except Exception as e:
+                # Other unexpected errors
+                error_msg = f"Failed to get model configuration: {str(e)}"
+                logger.error(f"[AIEngine] {error_msg}", exc_info=True)
+                return self._handle_error(error_msg, fn)
             
             # Debug logging: Show model configuration (console only, not in step tracker)
             logger.info(f"[AIEngine] Model Configuration for {function_name}:")