The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 435

“Could we find a place to talk for a bit, Matthew?”

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Tom took the lead and made the suggestion, gesturing around them. “It’s too noisy in here.”

The superstar possessed an extraordinary personal charm and appeal, and his sincere attitude and warm invitation were hard to resist. Although he wasn't sure why Tom had extended the invitation, Matthew had no desire to refuse; after all, opportunities to get close to a star of his caliber were rare.

It wasn’t that he was a star-struck fan of Tom’s. From the moment he’d snatched a role from Nicolas Cage, he had long since shed the mentality of a mere moviegoer and understood, on a deep level, that he was now one of the players in this game of fame and fortune.

In terms of personal preference, he actually liked Nicolas Cage far more than Tom, even though Cage lacked Tom’s level of fame and influence in Hollywood.

Tom had clearly approached him for a reason; otherwise, a superstar of his stature wouldn't have taken the initiative to come over and greet him. As it happened, he also had a reason to see Tom. If he could get Tom Cruise to attend his charity dinner on the 25th, he was certain it would attract even more attention.

Therefore, Matthew agreed without hesitation. He let Ilana go on ahead with James and Michael, while he followed Tom and Katie to a café near the stadium.

“Have a seat, Matthew.”

Contrary to the rumored arrogance of a superstar, Tom was warm and approachable. He waited for Matthew to sit down across from him and Katie before adding, “I’ve been wanting to meet you for a while, but I never had the chance. I never thought I’d run into you today.”

Matthew heard his words and smiled in return. “Tom, I’ve been your fan since I was less than ten years old.”He laughed genuinely. “I still can’t believe I’m getting to talk to you face-to-face.”

Before Tom could say anything, he added, “When I first saw Top Gun, I decided I’d be your fan for life.”

If an ordinary fan had said this, Tom wouldn’t have taken it seriously. But Matthew was already a major Hollywood star, and such words of admiration, even if he knew they were mostly just compliments, were still very flattering.

Compliments from ordinary people and those from fellow stars carried entirely different weights.

Tom also found himself taking a liking to Matthew. He’d never spoken with him before and didn't know what to expect, but he found him to be a surprisingly direct and articulate man.

Matthew glanced first at Tom, then at Katie, who sat beside him like a silent vassal, and asked, “Tom, I heard you and Katie are getting married this year. Are you planning the wedding?”

Tom nodded; the news had been public for a while. He simply said, “The wedding is in November.”

Remembering something, he immediately extended an invitation. “Matthew, I don’t know if you’ll be free, but I’d love for you to come to my and Katie’s wedding.”

Matthew smiled. “I’d be delighted!”

However, he knew perfectly well that Tom hadn’t approached him just to extend a wedding invitation.

“Actually, Katie and I wanted to take this opportunity to connect more with our friends in the industry.” Tom showed none of the rumored arrogance or foolishness reported in the papers. “We’re both very hospitable.”

Matthew gave a slight nod, knowing Tom wasn't finished.

Tom continued, “At the end of July, Katie and I are hosting an event at the Church of Scientology's Hollywood Celebrity Center. Would you be able to come?”

The Church of Scientology’s Hollywood Celebrity Center? Matthew immediately understood the meaning behind Tom’s words.

Of course, he knew exactly what the so-called Scientology Celebrity Center in Hollywood was. Scientology had a large number of followers in the industry and had always been open and public about it, so it was hard not to know.

The man sitting across from him was one of Scientology’s two biggest names in Hollywood.

At the time, many people were baffled as to why a superstar like Tom, who craved fame, money, and status, would run errands for Scientology, even lobbying the British Prime Minister for tax exemptions for the church in the United Kingdom, going so far as to tarnish his previously impeccable reputation.

Online, there were still countless people who wondered why Tom didn't just leave Scientology.

Back then, Matthew had just read the gossip for entertainment, but after “arriving” here and spending several years in Hollywood, plus having a friend like Ilana, he was more or less aware of such things.

According to Ilana, Tom was currently in the top twenty within Scientology’s hierarchy and could be in the top five in a few years.

Although many of his actions, including his marriage, were subject to Scientology’s influence, Tom’s enthusiasm and motivation for the church were far more complex than simply being grateful that it had cured his dyslexia.

Matthew wasn’t surprised by this. A superstar like Tom, even if he started as a fool, had spent over a decade rising from a supporting actor to a megastar. In a competitive environment like Hollywood, he had been honing his skills for a long time.

Those who lacked the skills to become superstars had all fallen by the wayside.

Seeing that Matthew hadn't said anything, Tom flashed a charming smile. “It’s just a party with a few religious rituals.”

“Is that so?” Matthew didn't respond immediately.

Tom added, “Religion can help us in many ways, and Scientology doesn't prevent people of other faiths from joining.”

Matthew considered it for a moment, then said, “Tom, given that Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest is coming out in July, and the promotional period is at the end of July, I can't confirm my schedule right now.”

“But...” he said after a brief pause, “I’ll put it this way: I’ll definitely be there, as long as my schedule allows.”

Tom nodded. “Katie and I would really love for you to be there.”

Hearing this, Matthew brushed off the insistence and instead changed the subject. “Tom, I’m hosting a charity dinner on June 25th. My agency sent you an invitation. I was wondering if you received it?”

An invitation? Tom hadn't seen it at all. His agency had likely just dismissed it.

He looked at Matthew Horner, his expression unmoving, but deep down, he knew that all these charity dinners were complete nonsense.

For reasons that would never be disclosed, Tom was “convinced” that his ultimate purpose in life was to convert all non-believers to Scientology.

Of course, poor people didn't matter. He needed famous, wealthy people, like Matthew.

Fame would attract more converts to Scientology, and wealth would allow him to donate a large portion of his fortune to the Church.

The latter, in particular, was a truth he had only gradually come to realize after his divorce from Nicole Kidman... Scientology had a multi-billion-dollar fortune!

A charming smile returned to Tom's face as he said, “I received the letter. If I don’t have work that day, I’ll come.”

Again, he offered no firm commitment.

Matthew nodded slightly. “Shall we connect tomorrow?”

“Alright.” Tom stood, ready to say his goodbyes. “Let’s connect tomorrow.”

Matthew shook hands with Tom and then Katie, and soon, the yet-unmarried couple left the café.

Turning his head to watch their departing figures, Matthew carefully considered the situation. As someone who grew up in modern times, he wasn't the type to be easily brainwashed by religion, and attending an event at the Church of Scientology’s Hollywood Celebrity Center was nothing special.

Tom and Katie's wedding shouldn't be a problem either; the Church of Scientology wouldn't try to recruit people on such an occasion.

Matthew couldn't help but recall the rumors circulating in the industry that Tom and Katie had supposedly signed a special marriage contract with the intervention of the Church of Scientology.

For instance, Katie would receive $3 million a year after marriage and $20 million at the end of the fifth year. If Katie were to end the marriage within five years, $10 million would be paid to Tom Cruise. Katie would also be rewarded with $10 million for each child she bore. They would also be required to attend Scientology classes and major events. Most importantly, Katie had to constantly display her happiness in public.

Matthew believed the financial parts of these rumors were likely true, as such arrangements were common in the marriages of big Hollywood stars. But the rest remained questionable.

In the end, he had never been a religious person.

Then, Matthew left the café, met Ilana, who was waiting for him at the entrance, and they returned to Beverly Hills together.

****

After he returned, Helen made a special trip to see him. Matthew called to postpone the trip to Hawaii that James and Michael had planned. Starting in June, he would be participating in a series of promotional events planned by Disney Pictures for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest*.

First up was an interview on the kids' channel Nickelodeon in early June with Lily Collins.