Singstead, a prominent figure in municipal design, finds himself sidelined in his own city due to the overpowering influence of Moses. Despite his success, there's a poignant sense of loss as he realizes he can never build in New York while Moses reigns. Ultimately, the narrative reveals that Moses fabricated financial distress regarding the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, which turned out to be highly profitable, showcasing the depths of deceit that characterized his control over urban development.