The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 378

"Filippo, this is Matthew."

In the living room of Horner Manor, Helen formally introduced Matthew to a tall, middle-aged man. "Matthew, this is Mr. Filippo Grandi, the Deputy High Commissioner for the UN Refugee Agency."

Hearing her words, Matthew immediately extended his right hand and warmly shook the man's, saying with sincere respect, "Hello, Mr. Grandi. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

Helen had informed him yesterday that their visitor was connected to the appointment of a UN Goodwill Ambassador.

"Hello, Mr. Horner," the middle-aged man named Filippo replied, his demeanor quite polite. "I've seen many of your films. They're very impressive."

Matthew thanked Filippo as they settled into their seats.

Facing a UNHCR official, Matthew maintained a carefully composed demeanor.

After the three were seated, a maid promptly served them coffee. Once she had departed, Matthew exchanged a few pleasantries with Filippo before steering the conversation to the main topic.

"I've come here to express my gratitude to you on behalf of the refugees in Africa," Filippo began in an official tone. "Thank you and Miss Theron for your donation of 1.5 million dollars to the UNHCR."

Matthew delivered a well-rehearsed line: "I've been following the situation in Africa and wanted to help the people whose homes have been destroyed by war. Any person with a conscience who saw what was happening there would have made the same choice."After he and Charlize sold the exclusive media coverage of their engagement ceremony to TMZ, they had donated the entire $1.5 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), specifically to aid refugees in Africa.

This was largely in keeping with the wishes of Charlize, who, being South African, felt a special connection to the continent.

Helen chimed in at the right moment. "Matthew is deeply concerned about the plight of refugees and has repeatedly inquired about their situation, donating more than once."

Whether in Hollywood or Washington, the ability to lie with a straight face was a fundamental skill.

Filippo nodded gravely, as if he believed every word Helen said was the absolute truth.

"The primary goal of the UNHCR is to protect the rights and health of refugees," Helen continued, demonstrating her knowledge. "Mr. Grandi, you have worked to ensure that every person has the right to seek asylum in another country, to voluntarily return home, and to find a permanent solution to their plight."

Filippo nodded. "That is the mission of the UNHCR."

He stated gravely, "We are working to eradicate the problem of refugees once and for all."

Hearing this, Matthew spoke up again. "I want to contribute to such a great cause as well."

"Mr. Grandi," Helen said, deciding not to beat around the bush any longer, "Matthew shares your concern for the refugee crisis and wants to do something tangible. Together, we can surely help more people and draw global attention to this issue."

Matthew, having already discussed this with Helen, added, "I intend to establish two charitable foundations in the near future. One will be dedicated to helping refugees suffering from the trauma of war, and the other will focus on providing better living conditions and education for refugee children."

When it came to acting, his true profession, Matthew was flawless. "No one is born a refugee. Refugees are the evil result of war."

Helen glanced at Matthew. As far as she knew, he couldn't care less whether the African refugees lived or died, but his acting skills had clearly improved significantly.

To any observer, it looked and sounded as if the African refugees were his own family.

Filippo approved of Matthew's words. "Mr. Horner, you are correct in that statement. No one is born a refugee."

"Every day, war tears thousands of families apart," Matthew said eloquently. "They might be forced to leave their loved ones behind, or they could be separated in the chaos of conflict."

His tone grew more forceful. "Of them all, it is the children who suffer the most."

"The refugee crisis is a global problem," Filippo agreed with a nod. "It requires everyone to work together."

Matthew said grimly, "If it weren't for war, no one would be born a refugee, and all refugees deserve respect and compassion."

Helen interjected, "Solving this global problem will require the cooperation of everyone who is able, and Matthew is ready to do his part."

Matthew declared solemnly, "I will do everything in my power to help those in need."

Filippo smiled. "The UNHCR is working to unite all forces of society, and I would personally be delighted to have Mr. Horner join us."

He didn't make a direct offer; the position of UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador wasn't a simple appointment, and it didn't depend on him alone.

Naturally, Matthew was aware of this. He also knew he had a direct competitor for the role: Angelina Jolie, who had already adopted several orphans.

But he couldn't say anything directly. Voicing his ambitions to Filippo's face would surely backfire.

During the filming of Black Hawk Down, Matthew had been to Morocco and had met black people who had been displaced there by war. Though he had felt nothing at the time, he seemed to have had an epiphany as he spoke with Filippo on the subject now.

Overall, the meeting between Matthew and the UNHCR official was characterized by a grave, sincere, and friendly atmosphere.

After about forty minutes, Filippo made a move to leave. Matthew escorted him to the fountain plaza of the manor, where Helen got into the car with Filippo and drove away.

Matthew understood perfectly well that Helen would say and do the things he couldn't.

"Mr. Grandi."

Inside the departing car, Helen asked directly, "What do you think of Matthew?"

Filippo considered for a few seconds before answering, "Very charming, with a healthy, positive image and a caring heart."

He seemed to know what Helen was getting at and preempted her. "Personally, I believe Matthew is an excellent choice for Goodwill Ambassador. But, miss, I am only a deputy commissioner and do not have the deciding vote. Some people at the UNHCR favor Angelina Jolie, who has adopted several war orphans in recent years. You know, she has succeeded in crafting a noble maternal image."

Helen knew that Matthew couldn't compete with her in that respect.

"I know," Helen said, pulling a small folder from her briefcase and handing it to Filippo. "But this will probably change a lot of people's minds."

Filippo didn't take the folder immediately, asking with a hint of caution, "What is this?"

Helen knew what he was worried about and explained, "Information on Angelina Jolie."

She stated simply, "Jolie uses drugs, she's a lesbian, she had that scandal with her own brother... she has a very poor reputation these days. Every mention of her in the media is negative. If the UNHCR were to ask her to be a Goodwill Ambassador..."

She shook her head, letting the implication hang in the air.

Filippo took the folder, opened it, and scanned the papers inside before setting it aside. "I will not allow the UNHCR to become a public laughingstock."

If what Helen said was true, and the choice was between Angelina Jolie and Matthew Horner, he imagined most people at the UNHCR would choose Matthew.

Helen added, "It's also telling that Angelina has been avoiding the media to this day."

Filippo nodded. He followed the entertainment news occasionally and knew this was true.

With that, Helen changed the subject and began talking to Filippo about Amanda's father. It was through Amanda's relatives that she had made contact with the UNHCR official in the first place.

Originally, she had planned for Matthew to become an ambassador for UNICEF, but with the recent war in Iraq and the regional conflicts that had been raging in Africa for the past two years, resulting in tens of millions of displaced people, a role with the UNHCR seemed more timely and easier to secure.

The only thing that had surprised her was that Angelina, in her desperation to clear her name, was also vying for the Goodwill Ambassador position.

If Angelina were to get the title and follow it up with two more great films, she might actually manage to clean up her image.

Unfortunately for Angelina, it was better for her to stop trying to whitewash her reputation and continue to let Brad Pitt take the fall.

She and Matthew were the ones who had orchestrated the situation Angelina and Brad Pitt were currently in, and they felt no psychological burden in letting the two of them continue to be the villains in the public's eye.