Stephanie wouldn't have described herself as a joiner, but with Sebastian alive once again and so adamant, she had little choice. A Von Roehm had a chance, even if it wasn't ideal, to avoid the Hellfire Club and its machinations. Stephanie, with her grand ambitions and the Shaw last name, had little choice as she saw it. Viveca may have disagreed, but she would have forgone enormous advantages for little benefit.

Sebastian would not have accepted one of his heirs leaving the fold.

"... I'm sorry that I don't have better news to deliver. If there's something I can do to help, I will. On either front. Threatening Alistaire. Or, if absolutely nothing else, treating you to all the alcohol you choose to imbibe."