In Episode 9 of The Other Black Girl, the narrative rewinds to 2019, where Hazel steps into Cooper's Review for the interview for the role of Assistant Editor, under the alias of Chantal Wilson. Impressed by her writing prowess, Anna Voohries, the Editor-in-Chief, nonetheless dismisses her due to her lack of a college degree. Chantal, a full-time caregiver to her paralyzed mother, finds herself unable to juggle both college and her caretaking duties. Anna then suggests she apply for their unpaid internship.
Later, Chantal, now revealed as Hazel, shares the details of the interview with her mother. Her mother believes she already has a satisfactory job, but Hazel insists that the new position offers insurance and a salary that would allow her to hire a caregiver.
Meanwhile, Diana celebrates the launch of her book at Harvard, with Hazel sitting among the audience. When Hazel poses a question, the audience considers it rudimentary, but Diana gracefully answers. Diana inquiries about Hazel's field of study, and Hazel reveals she majors in English, causing murmurs among the students who claim they've never seen her around campus. Hazel sharply retorts, and then exits the venue.
Diana finds Hazel in the library, and Hazel confesses she's not a student. She opens up about her life and inquiries about what could ease her struggles. Hazel expresses her sense of being trapped as her mother's caregiver, and Diana introduces her to the concept of sisterhood, inviting her to dinner. She gifts Hazel a signed copy of her novel and insists she attends the meeting the following day.
At the sisterhood gathering, Hazel meets four women who shower her with praise and affection before Diana's arrival. Diana welcomes Hazel into the fold and proceeds to inquire about the ladies' desires, applying a grease-like product to their temples. When she turns to Hazel, initially hesitant, she eventually reveals her desire for freedom and acceptance after all her hard work. Diana then applies the same product to Hazel's temples.
In the bustling city of Boston, 2021, Hazel felt an uneasy sensation on her scalp as Diana approached, inquiring about her readiness for her maiden assignment. Despite her nervousness, Diana reassured her, citing her completion of the rigorous nine-month training. Hazel, however, voiced her concerns about the grease, mentioning its occasional fiery sensation on her scalp and her fading memories. She questioned Diana's motives, to which Diana revealed that she had developed the grease for a friend in need. Moreover, she expressed her desire to empower the disadvantaged black community, where there is a dearth of reports and lawyers who resemble them. For this mission, Hazel's new identity was Eva.
The following day, Chantel, now transformed into Eva, strode confidently into an interview at Cooper's Review. The editor-in-chief, impressed by her stellar resume, offered her an immediate position. There, she met Shani and quickly forged a bond with her. Over drinks, Shani marveled at Eva's resilience, wondering how she remained unaffected by life's challenges. Eva revealed the secret, introducing her to the grease, likening it to CBD for the soul. Intrigued, Shani sniffed it cautiously but declined Eva's invitation to try it. Despite Eva's persuasion, Shani remained steadfast and departed.
Later, Eva called Diana, distraught over losing Shani's friendship. Diana inquired about the involuntary protocol, and Eva confessed her panic. Shani had uttered something that could jeopardize her job, and Eva had recorded it. Diana assured her that she would handle the situation.
Shani arrived at work to find her desk dismantled and her employment terminated. Her bank account was drained, and her landlord evicted her. A sinister figure attempted to abduct her, but she narrowly escaped. Meanwhile, Eva, now revealed as Hazel, confronted Diana, expressing her dissatisfaction with the constant relocations and identity changes. She resented the fact that other girls did not have to endure the same hardships and questioned Diana's rationale. Diana reminded her that she had built a life for herself, unlike Hazel, who had to craft a colossal lie. Disheartened by the destruction she was causing, Hazel departed.
Back home, Chantal clashed with her mother, prompting her to return to Diana's side. Diana brokered a final deal, promising Hazel that upon recruiting Nella, she would be free to embrace her true identity and put an end to her role as a conditioner.
Hazel arrived at Wagner Books, escorted by Sophie to meet Richard. As the episode drew to a close, Hazel pleaded with Richard to reveal all she needed to know about Nella Rogers.
