The opening scene of Episode 2 of "The Better Sister" plunges us into a nostalgic flashback at Wallace Lake, where young Chloe and Nicky frolic amidst the tranquility, their father Hank, a Vietnam veteran, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Suddenly, a harrowing incident unfolds as Nicky's piercing scream echoes, prompting Hank to rescue Chloe from the clutches of drowning.
In the present day, Chloe grapples with stress, attempting to find solace through meditation. Yet, her concentration is shattered by the blaring music emanating from Nicky's and Ethan's cooking escapade. Chloe, protective of her son, hesitates to leave him unsupervised, brushing off Nicky's overtures of friendship with a touch of irritation.
At the precinct, the officers exchange humor at the twisted dynamics of Adam's family saga. In an update, Karen DiManco's fingerprints are discovered on the X-rated DVD, despite her history of protests and a solid alibi for the night of the murder. The Lieutenant remains skeptical about the significance of Ethan's DNA found beneath his father's fingernails, while Nancy's reckless tendencies earn her a stern warning to tread carefully.
The investigation delves into questioning Jake Rodriguez, Adam's colleague and Chloe's confidant. They were immersed in a project with Gentry Group, but Jake was notably absent from the meeting on the fateful day Adam perished. Jake subtly reveals that their boss, Bill Braddock, favored Adam, hinting at a possible rift between the two colleagues. Spurred by curiosity, Nancy sets out to verify Jake's alibi—dinner with a contractor.
Chloe's thoughts wander back to Adam, cueing another flashback. Adam pays a visit to her apartment, expressing gratitude for her assistance with baby Ethan. The scene unravels the tension between Chloe and her mother, who is upset over Chloe's treatment of Nicky. Chloe has been distancing herself from Nicky, yet Adam's longing for her proves irresistible. Surrendering to her desires, they share an intimate moment.
Currently, Chloe finds herself in conference with Catherine's cybersecurity liaison, McCabe, and is astounded to discover that some hateful remarks originated from her company's computer system. In the office milieu, she is engulfed by chaos as Catherine summarily dismisses Bill's legal representatives, branding them as inadequate. Sonia, an eager assistant, seeks prompt responses for public relations inquiries, while Catherine persists in quizzing Chloe about Nicky, unaware of her true identity as Ethan's mother.
At her residence, Nicky engages in surreptitious activities, pocketing loose change and sniffing Adam's garments with curiosity. Chloe phones to express her frustration over Nicky's overflowing mailbox, to which Nicky responds cryptically, blaming their mother. Evidently struggling, Nicky succumbs to hallucinations, imagining Hank remarking that she feels encased beneath an endless expanse of sky.
Returning to the office, Chloe is compelled to address her team with a speech on resilience. However, her words take an unexpected turn as she reveals that she has been threatened by a fellow employee and vows to uncover the culprit.
Elsewhere, police officers interrogate Arty, the building's doorman and occasional chauffeur. He acknowledges his presence at a bar on the night of the murder. Although he holds a favorable view of Ethan, this merely fuels Nancy's conviction that Ethan is the murderer. Nancy highlights Adam's junkie father's tragic demise in prison, suggesting that Ethan is following in his footsteps. She further postulates that Adam, enjoying a seemingly perfect life, bullied Ethan for not conforming.
Subsequently, Chloe meets with Bill, who harbors compassion for the couple but doubts her unwavering devotion to Adam. He derides Catherine's decision to dismiss the lawyers he had dispatched to assist Chloe. Trusting Bill, Chloe implores him to investigate Gentry and a taxi receipt that indicates Adam's dishonesty regarding his whereabouts two days prior.
The police arrive at the apartment, prompting Chloe to dart over with urgency. Their incessant inquiries about Ethan and how he supposedly "accidentally" brought Adam's gun to school fill the air. Chloe responds with composure, but Nicky's panic sets in as she realizes they're targeting Ethan. She summarily dismisses them, whereas Chloe is more preoccupied with maintaining appearances. Worse still, an informant spills to the media, branding Ethan as Adam's killer.
Nicky insists on securing legal representation, and with Jake's assistance, Chloe manages to get a lawyer involved. Her mind drifts back to a time when she visited her ailing mother. Flashbacks reveal Chloe pleading Adam's case fervently. Nicky, mentally unhinged, requires restraint for Ethan's welfare. Chloe repeatedly invokes Adam's name, only to be sharply slapped by her mother, who reminds her of her place.
Presently, the police return, armed with a search warrant. Nicky assumes a superior stance, ranting about police mind games designed to ensnare suspects. Chloe, on the other hand, yearns to trust in Ethan's innocence and allow the authorities to conduct their investigation. The sisters clash over their contrasting approaches, and their lawyer, Michelle, intervenes by locking them out while advising Ethan on his statement.
Unfortunately, Ethan's missing headphones and shoes, which he had concealed due to bloodstains, are discovered. Another flashback unfolds, showing Nicky passing out in the pool while frolicking with baby Ethan. Both are in peril of drowning until Adam arrives just in time to save them. Terrified, Adam believes Nicky poses a threat to Ethan and contemplates involuntary psychiatric commitment. However, only family members can authorize such action, and for Ethan and Nicky's sake, Chloe consents.
In the climactic scene of The Better Sister Episode 2, Ethan is apprehended. Nicky wails loudly, while Chloe stands stunned, grappling with the unforeseen turn of events.
