Part 5/7:
The saga continues as Daniel’s ambitions clash with local interests. Despite forging ahead with the Union Oil pipeline plans, he discovers the last piece of land owned by William Bandy remains a hurdle. Bandy’s refusal to sell without conditions forces Daniel into a morally bankrupt situation—accepting baptism at the behest of Eli Sunday.
Daniel’s deteriorating relationship with his son H.W. reflects his growing isolation. H.W.’s departure to pursue his own drilling ambitions demonstrates the culmination of Daniel’s destructive single-mindedness. Their relationship, marked by a blend of love and resentment, reaches a painful climax as Daniel coldly tells H.W. he is nothing more than an orphan he picked up for appearance's sake.