Plainview and HW

That is an interesting question. Plainview claims later in the film that HW was merely a prop to help him buy land up. This however is when Plainview is at his most self-destructive worst. There are signs through the movie that he loves HW dearly. HW is perhaps his only connection with true affection. When HW is hurt in the oil-rig blast the needs of a hearing challenged son are too much for him to handle. It is in these moments when Plainview relegates HW back to adopted status. So, did Plainview love HW? I think he loved him as much as he was capable of but we are also dealing with a profoundly flawed character.