Content Warning: This section contains descriptions of suicidal ideation.

Gail Wynand contemplates suicide but is dissuaded by his own indifference. Ellsworth Toohey meets with him while Wynand works on The Banner and tells him that he has sent a gift to Wynand’s home. If Wynand likes the gift, he should meet with Dominique Keating (nee Francon) about hiring her husband to design Stoneridge, Wynand’s latest real estate venture. Wynand agrees but promises to fire Toohey for his audacity if the gift does not please him. That evening, Wynand dumps his mistress with callous disregard and again contemplates suicide. In search of motivation to either live or die, he forces himself to remember his life thus far.

The narrative relates that Wynand grew up in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City, working a range of jobs and educating himself throughout his childhood. At the age of 12, he gained control of a local gang by suggesting improvements to their methods and beating the leaders who tried to attack him for his disrespect. He only ever asked for help once in his life: when he was beaten almost to death at age 15.