June hits number three on the New York Times list and basks in Eden’s celebrations and social media acclaim. She publicly frames the win as hard-earned redemption after her first book’s failure, privately savoring validation and even addressing a congratulatory aside to Athena’s ghost. The success boosts her confidence and appetite for attention.

As The Last Front holds on the list for weeks, June’s status shifts. Invitations pour in, and at BookCon she circulates with Daniella and bestselling authors, trading gossip about debuts and small presses. Asked why she wrote about the Chinese Labour Corps, June offers a polished origin story, while Heidi Steel touts “suppressed narratives,” reinforcing June’s positioning within diversity discourse.

June then encounters her former editor, Garrett McKintosh, at coat check. Empowered by her success, she pointedly credits Daniella and Eden’s support, signaling Garrett’s misjudgment in letting her go. He withdraws, and June savors the reversal as proof that thriving is the best revenge.

Months later, June receives a royalties statement showing she has earned out, confirming strong sales. She upgrades her life—new laptop, better apartment and furnishings, health care and dental work, and luxury shopping—and pays off her student loans. When sister Rory handles her taxes and marvels at the income, June delights in the validation.

Determined to “pay it forward,” June donates to an Asian American writers’ group and joins a mentorship program. Reflecting on Athena’s disdain for aspiring Asian American writers, June vows to be different. She mentors Emmy Cho, praises the market’s hunger for diversity, and encourages her project. When Emmy asks if June is white, June confirms she is, leaving an uneasy tension between June’s public persona and her identity.