I’m looking for information how to properly connect the top plate across a break (due to a duct) in which the wall width is different on each side of the duct.  Has anyone done this before or are the alternatives I should consider?  I have attached a picture of one end of the wall to open up.

The request is to open up a load-bearing wall carrying bedrooms, and the guidelines given to me were to maximize the opening width and minimize the loss of headspace while keeping the cost reasonable. The roof trusses are finks and there is no wall directly above.  The engineer is confident that the load is carried fully by the exterior walls and specced a few options using 2.0 3100 SP LVLs and did not have any recommendations on a 2×4 flitch plate design.  The recommended (above minimum) one is 5.25″ wide (the wall is 2x4s) and protrudes 2 inches below the ceiling even when recessed.  The ceilings are only 7.5 ft, so I have to recess the header and side-hang the joists, which is acceptable to the owner.  However, the part I am trying to deconflict is how to include the joists closest to the duct so as to meet the maximum width request.

I have a couple ideas, but do not want to plant any preconceived notions yet.

If there is no good way of doing this, is there a recommended resource on how to properly connect the wider header to thinner wall top plate?  Are USP MPA1 angle brackets adequate, or can I bend a full-length strap into an S?

Thanks.