diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index c6f5c27bbe..64ebf2f7b5 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -177,8 +177,8 @@ jobs:
           fi
 
           # Count PR links in both files
-          RAW_COUNT=$(grep -coP '\[#\d+\]' "$RAW_PATH" || echo 0)
-          FINAL_COUNT=$(grep -coP '\[#\d+\]' "$FINAL" || echo 0)
+          RAW_COUNT=$(grep -coP '\[#\d+\]' "$RAW_PATH" || true)
+          FINAL_COUNT=$(grep -coP '\[#\d+\]' "$FINAL" || true)
 
           if [ "$FINAL_COUNT" -lt "$RAW_COUNT" ]; then
             echo "::warning::AI output has fewer PR links ($FINAL_COUNT) than raw ($RAW_COUNT). Falling back to raw notes."