Episode 4 of The Other Black Girl commences with Malaika and Nella wrapping up a serene yoga session, Malaika admiring Nella's refreshed appearance. Nella reveals that it's Hazel's influence, who urged her to confront Richard in her new attire, making her feel transformed. Nella extends an invitation to Malaika for dinner, intending to introduce her to Hazel. Malaika agrees, yet reminds Nella that Richard would have cherished her proposal regardless of her attire.
Outside the yoga studio, Nella encounters Shani unexpectedly, a chance encounter that piques her curiosity. As she arrives at the office, Hazel expresses excitement over Nella's new look and eagerly agrees to accompany her for dinner. Suddenly, Vera rushes in, requesting Nella to print two copies of a document she emails, urgently summoning her to her office. They've received a report from the sensitivity reader, and the extent of flagged content means a mere shell of the book remains, yet the release date stands firm. Nella agrees to draft a memo outlining the issues and gauge the team's feedback.
Sophie interrupts their meeting, announcing that Richard desires to see Nella, a revelation that perplexes Vera and Sophie alike. Richard confesses that their conversation inspired him and proposes a meeting with Diana Gordon, who's already in his office. He introduces Nella as one of their stellar assistants, hinting at a promotion soon. Diana is considering bringing her next project to Wagner, signaling a return home.
Richard gathers the editors in the conference room, initiating a brainstorming session. As ideas are pitched, Vera suggests a narrative-driven cookbook. Diana retorts with a sardonic question about her culinary skills. The ideas falter, and Diana remains unimpressed. In a moment of boldness, Nella suggests a re-release of 'Burning Heart.' Vera attempts to stifle her, but Diana's curiosity prevails, encouraging Nella to elaborate. Diana approves of the concept yet confesses that the book holds painful memories, deterring her from reliving the past.
Later, Nella encounters Diana in the bathroom, offering an apology for her earlier suggestion. Diana commends Nella's bravery and audacity, acknowledging her potential albeit with room for improvement. She invites Nella to her place the following Saturday for a casual discussion.
At Diana's abode, Nella sips wine, once again apologizing for her mention of 'Burning Heart.' Hazel texts her to enjoy the evening, promising to discuss it over dinner. When Hazel arrives at Nella's house, Malaika wonders if she's jealous of Nella's solo outing with Diana. Hazel assures her that jealousy is not her nature, rejoicing in her friend's successes.
As the lights in Diana's abode flickered, Nella glanced around, her ears pricked for any unusual sounds coming from within the rooms. Among the old photos of Diana, she found inspiration and suggested a different idea - a memoir. Convinced that Diana had lived a remarkable life, she insisted she should share her story with the world. Diana admitted she had pondered over the thought but always felt it wasn't quite right, never finding an editor who could truly capture her essence.
Encouraged by Nella, Diana agreed to visit the office on Monday to discuss the idea with Richard. As Nella arrived home, she and Owen headed out for some respite. Left alone, Malaika confronted Hazel, accusing her of being disingenuous, reminding her of the day she had tried to undermine Nella. Hazel dismissed it as a misunderstanding, wondering why Malaika held on to the past.
Malaika insisted on a private conversation with Nella, revealing her suspicions about Hazel's sincerity. Nella, however, believed Malaika was overreacting. Their disagreement escalated until Nella declared she would choose her friends freely and asked Malaika to leave so they could enjoy their meal in peace. Malaika stormed off in anger.
After 36 hours of tension, Nella sought out Malaika at her workplace to apologize. Malaika confessed her distrust of Hazel, but Nella assured her they didn't have to agree on everyone. Acknowledging that she needed to work with Hazel and enjoyed her company, Nella promised not to force Malaika into a friendship she didn't want. Malaika vowed to stand by Nella's side when things with Hazel fell apart.
Diana met with Nella at the office and was surprised when Nella proposed involving Hazel in the memoir project. Diana had assumed Nella wanted to work alone, but Nella explained that Hazel had convinced her to approach Richard about a re-release, and their bond mattered. Though Diana felt Nella gave Hazel undue credit, she agreed to include her in the project.
Nella shared the good news with Hazel and apologized for the dinner incident. Hazel was astonished to learn that Nella wanted to collaborate with her. Vera interceded, asking Nella not to send the sensitivity read memo and promising to handle it with Colin.
Hazel ventured into Malaika's workplace, facing Malaika's stern warning. Hazel, however, corrected her, claiming that it was Malaika who should steer clear. She boasted that she and Nella were forming a strong partnership at work and would become close friends. She had no intention of leaving.
As Nella headed home on the subway, Shani intercepted her, revealing that Hazel was Eva. Before departing, she slipped a note into Nella's purse, inviting her to meet the following day at 5 p.m.
