Episode 5 of The Other Black Girl kicks off with Shani awakening at a crisp 5:30 a.m. After a rigorous workout, she stealthily embarks on her mission to spy on Nella. The sequence of scenes reveals this has been her stealthy routine for quite some time. Just as Nella is about to head to work, Owen calls her, his voice laced with concern. He fears she's being tailed, but Nella assures him that the mysterious woman seems more intent on Hazel, whom she insists is named Eva for some inexplicable reason. Owen insists that Nella steer clear of Shani, and Nella promises to seek clarity from Hazel.
As Nella arrives at work, she's greeted by a distraught Vera, who reveals that Colin's book has been leaked, sparking a firestorm of controversy. Every social media platform is targeting Wagner, including Jesse Watson, painting the publisher as racist. Vera admits her regret for ignoring Nella's warnings about the book and acknowledges its deplorable quality. Nella is baffled by Vera's inaction, wondering why she didn't intervene sooner. Vera explains she was trying to do what was best for Wagner, but now the damage is done.
With Hazel calling in sick, Wagner Books is in turmoil, and Nella becomes the de facto crisis manager. Vera gathers the team for a brainstorming session to address the Colin debacle. Just then, Nella receives a frantic 911 text from Malaika, who is keeping tabs on her due to the stalker, Shani. Malaika has just spotted Richard Wagner dining with Hazel, fueling rumors of an affair. This news prompts Nella to reconsider her meeting with Shani, but Vera's urgent call pulls her back to the office.
Vera insists that Colin must issue a public apology, but Nella vehemently disagrees. Encouraged by Maisy, Nella argues that Wagner should cancel the book's release and issue an apology on its behalf, not Colin's. Vera refuses, insisting that the book must be published as per Richard's wishes, and she fires Nella on the spot.
However, Richard and Hazel's entrance into the conference room changes the narrative. Richard declares that Nella is not going anywhere and requests a private meeting with Vera, but Vera insists he can speak his mind in front of everyone. Richard announces that Wagner will immediately drop Colin's book and fires Vera for suppressing the sensitivity read.
He has further news to share. The company will postpone Diana Gordon's memoir and prioritize the re-release of 'Burning Heart,' with Nella taking charge as assistant editor. Hazel will assist her. Additionally, Diana will launch an imprint celebrating diverse writers, with 'Burning Heart' as its flagship.
Richard deeply regrets having neglected the company's woes for such a prolonged period. He vows to chart a fresh course for Wagner, appealing for everyone's collaboration to make it a place they can proudly call home. When Colin barges into Wagner's office, demanding to see Vera, Richard summons him to his own office, but Colin defiantly refuses, claiming he won't be summoned like a misbehaving child. Richard sternly informs him that he's no longer a Wagner author and orders security to be summoned. Nella, with a mischievous grin, eagerly encourages them to evict this clueless clown.
On their way home, Hazel confesses to Nella that she informed Richard about Vera's concealment of the sensitivity read. She justifies her actions, saying someone had to take the initiative, and knowing Nella's loyalty to Vera for two years, she couldn't. As Vera hindered Nella's promotion, Hazel felt compelled to act. Both aspire to be editors, and Hazel feels remorseful for anyone standing in their way. While Hazel retrieves a cake from her purse, Nella catches a glimpse of Kendra and Diana in their reflection on the street's puddle. Realizing Hazel lied about the cake being from her grandparents' wedding, Nella admonishes Hazel, saying sometimes one must become the person they desire others to see. She then congratulates Nella on her promotion.
At 742 Perry Street, Nella meets Shani and promptly informs Owen that she'll be returning late. The receptionist escorts Nella to a karaoke room to await Shani's arrival. Meanwhile, outside the ominous building, Shani is abducted by several mysterious figures, leaving the episode on a chilling cliffhanger. On social media, Colin goes live, professing that he doesn't see color; he only sees characters.
