The Fountainhead Part 1, Chapter 15

Keating starts to fear that he won't win. He plans to force Heyer out and become partner before the winner is announced and tries to blackmail him into retiring by revealing a letter which proves that Heyer charged way too much on a commission some time ago. Heyer has a stroke and dies. His will leaves everything to Keating. Keating is filled with guilt. He realizes that he's selfish, but then so is everyone else. Later, he finds out that he won the contest.

Keating becomes a star. His young age, good looks, and talent bring celebrity: photographs, newspaper ads, and interviews. He spends a few hours with Catherine and happily imagines what it will be like when they are married. He sees Dominique, and she congratulates him but made no mention of the contest in her column; she tells him she's leaving to go to Connecticut for the summer.

Keating likes hearing about himself in the news, but doesn't like hearing about his building; it reminds him that much of it was Roark's design. He makes an appointment to see Roark.

Topic Tracking: Collectivism 6

Roark has been waiting to hear from the Manhattan Bank when Peter comes to visit him. Peter tries to prove he is not afraid of Roark, but ends up insulting him. Peter asks Roark why he doesn't he give in, and act like everybody else. He has the potential to be successful. Roark asks why his personality disturbs Peter. Keating offers Roark some of the award money, but Roark gives it back and asks Peter never to tell anyone that he had any hand in creating the award-winning building. Keating screams at Roark and admits that he hates him, then leaves.

Topic Tracking: Doubles 1

Weidler calls Roark to the office to tell him the good news; he has been given the commission-on one condition, that they add a Doric portico, a cornice, and a Greek ornament. They say it adds dignity. Roark explains why he cannot do that: it would destroy the integrity of the building. He asks to speak to the board and explain himself, but they refuse. He turns down the commission.

Roark goes to Mike and asks him to arrange a job for him. Mike finally agrees to get him a job in Francon's quarry in Connecticut. Roark leaves two weeks later.

Francon & Heyer has become Francon & Keating. There is a reception in honor of Keating, where there seems to be a great air of brotherhood. Holcombe makes a speech welcoming a new generation into the field of architecture.