Episode 2 of "Inventing Anna" kicks off with Vivian conducting a prison interview with Anna, delving into her enigmatic personality. She vows to speak with Val, aiming to uncover a more comprehensive understanding of the enigmatic woman.
The scene shifts to Val, busy orchestrating a fashion shoot. Vivian's unexpected arrival prompts Val to recount Anna's icy demeanor and how he was initially drawn to her. Despite her aloofness, he was irresistibly drawn to her, realizing she knew precisely what to say, do, and how to captivate the fashion world. She effortlessly captured the attention of Chase, her then-boyfriend, leaving no room for doubt about her intentions.
Returning to the office, Vivian gathers her makeshift team to construct a timeline of Anna's exploits. We learn that in 2011, she enrolled in a prestigious fashion program at Central Saint Martins in London, later venturing to Paris. In 2013, she seemingly transformed into Delvey, though the records remain vague. It's during this period that she encountered Val, and both of them shared a photograph of Acme Bar on their social media, hinting at a possible connection.
Digging deeper, the team stumbles upon a chess set shared by both Anna and Chase, their social media feeds seemingly synchronized. With Chase's lucrative shows flooding him with "new money," Anna flourished as his partner, indulging in a lavish lifestyle. However, their online presence faded in 2016.
Val also mentions Anna's friendship with Nora Radford, the middle-aged woman from the previous episode. Additionally, Anna seems to have ties with Talia Mallay, a woman who requires funds from Paul for Anna to meet her. Initially reluctant, Vivian eventually persuades Paul to authorize the funds.
Not alone on this journey, Jack drops Vivian off at Talia's doorstep. Talia, a woman of immense wealth, is also a self-made entrepreneur. She reveals that she didn't even use an oven until she turned 25, a candid admission that sheds light on her determined nature. Despite her privileged background, Talia strives to forge her own identity and legacy.
As Talia and Anna settle in for their conversation, Talia cannot contain her admiration for Anna's unwavering perseverance and profound knowledge in the realm of art. Their paths first crossed in a gallery, where Anna confessed that her father spoiled her with whatever she desired. This revelation struck a chord in Talia, who firmly believes that earning one's way is infinitely more gratifying than inheriting.
Despite their contrasting views, they stumbled upon a shared appreciation for a particular photograph, which unexpectedly led to Anna and Chase crossing paths with Talia on a luxurious yacht in Ibiza. The opportunity was partly brokered by a man named Henrick, whom Chase perceived as a prominent business figure capable of opening doors. However, Chase's pitch fell flat, but Anna's charm and wit prevailed. She shrewdly invoked Henrick's age and rigidity, using anecdotes about Facebook, the telephone, and the inevitability of death to captivate him.
Unfortunately, Anna's stay on the yacht exceeded her welcome, lingering for a week longer than the others, almost as if she were living off their generosity. Talia suspected that Chase had something to do with it, but that encounter marked the last time they spoke.
Meanwhile, Rachel adamantly refused to visit Anna at Rikers, leaving Neff bewildered and agitated. Later that day, when Neff encountered Kacy, she too expressed her reluctance to see Anna, claiming that the person in prison was not the real Anna Delvey, but a cunning impostor. Neff, perplexed, insisted that Anna was their friend, but the truth was, none of them truly knew her, and this realization was beginning to dawn on Neff.
As Talia concluded her narrative, she extended Vivian an invitation to spend the night. It was a far cry from Vivian's apartment, and Jack kindly offered to stay with her. They even had a guest room equipped with heated floors, adding to the warmth and comfort of the evening.
Upon her return to New York, Vivian reunites with Val, who this time reveals the crumbling facade of Chase and Anna's relationship. Amidst the glitz and glamour of Paris Fashion Week, it's evident that Chase's financial struggles are tearing them apart. Their heated argument culminates in a sudden breakup, leaving Anna to seek refuge with Val for the night.
The following morning, Chase calls frantically, insisting Val verify Anna's passport, suspecting her of deception. Val initially refuses, but when Anna encounters trouble with her cards at the hotel, she claims it's her father who has cut her off financially. This elaborate ruse finally unravels when Chase appears, paying the bill. As Val collects his luggage, he glances at Anna's passport and notices the name Sorokin instead of Delvey. Val urges Chase to intervene, but the revelation only sends him into a tailspin.
Now aware of the truth, Chase abruptly turns the tables, blaming Val and choosing to perpetuate the lie rather than confront the facts. It transpires that Chase has been complicit in Anna's scheme. He confronted her on the balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower, confronting her about her real name.
Anna claims she's embarking on a mission to establish art studios in New York, aspiring to reach the pinnacle of success. Yet, she evades scrutiny on how she intends to achieve this. Her unwavering resolve compels Chase to side with her, and together, they concoct a plan to pin the blame on Val.
As the episode draws to a close, Vivian makes a final visit to Anna at Rikers, urging her to confront the truth about Chase.
