The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 519

A sudden burst of applause erupted through the press hall of the Sheraton Milan. Hundreds of journalists from the worlds of fashion and entertainment rose to their feet in a collective ovation as they watched the signing ceremony conclude on stage with Giorgio Armani shaking hands with Matthew Horner and Gisele Bündchen, the brand's two new ambassadors.

"One is a leading light in the new wave of models," the editor-in-chief of Italian VOGUE remarked to the journalist beside him. "The other is a titan of Hollywood's new generation. It looks like Giorgio Armani is planning to elevate the brand's reputation."

The female reporter nodded. "They've picked two perfect ambassadors. Gisele Bündchen has left Victoria's Secret, so her career has much more room to grow now. As for Matthew Horner..."

A knowing smile touched her lips. "Now that the whole world knows what an incredible specimen he is, could there possibly be a better face for a men's underwear line?"

The VOGUE editor-in-chief sighed with a touch of regret. "It's a shame he's never fully committed to the fashion world. Otherwise, we'd see just what a powerhouse he could truly be."

"Did you notice?" the reporter said suddenly. "Karl Lagerfeld is here today, too."

"Oh!" the VOGUE editor exclaimed with theatrical surprise.

After the signing ceremony, Matthew followed the Armani team out of the press hall and took an elevator to the top floor of the hotel, where the brand had arranged a more intimate celebratory party.

Helen Hermann approached and handed Matthew a glass of wine. Giorgio Armani, who had been the first to enter, raised his glass and began to speak. "Today, we gather to celebrate two new outstanding partners for the Armani brand!"

He held his glass high. "To our collaboration!"Matthew raised his glass as well and drank his champagne.

Giorgio then came over. "Hello, Matthew."

"Hello, Mr. Armani," Matthew replied politely.

"Please, call me Giorgio." The designer's English wasn't perfect, but more than adequate for conversation. "I've been following your career. It's quite impressive."

Matthew offered a modest reply. "I've just been very fortunate."

After a brief chat, Giorgio smiled, excused himself, and quickly made his way over to Gisele. He spoke with her for a few moments before leaving the party.

The room was filled mostly with people from the fashion industry, and Matthew could only recognize two of them. One was Karl Lagerfeld, with his signature sunglasses and long, white, braided hair. The other was Gisele Bündchen, who could almost be considered a Hollywood actress in her own right.

Just then, Helen Hermann whispered, "We can leave whenever you're ready. Giorgio has already gone."

"Actually," Matthew replied, "there's someone I'd like to say hello to."

Before Helen Hermann could respond, he headed toward Gisele Bündchen. Seeing that she was standing alone for the moment, he walked up to her. "Hi."

"Hi, Matthew," Gisele replied with a smile.

The two had already exchanged a few brief words during the signing ceremony and were scheduled to work together for the next three days, shooting the Armani underwear campaign.

"I'd heard Armani was looking for someone to represent their women's underwear line, but I was surprised to see you here," Matthew said, his curiosity piqued. "I thought you were a contracted Angel for Victoria's Secret. How..."

"My contract with them is up," Gisele said simply.

Matthew couldn't help but shake his head. "That's a shame. The Victoria's Secret fashion show won't be the same without you this year."

A thought flashed through his mind. *I asked a friend to get me front-row tickets. Guess I'll have to return them now.*

"Were you only going for me?" Gisele asked.

Matthew nodded. "Of course. You're the best of the top five supermodels."

"Thank you," Gisele replied politely. "You're too kind."

Matthew, however, flagged down a passing waiter. He took two glasses of champagne from the tray, handed one to Gisele, and said in a deliberately playful, exaggerated tone, "To the future number one supermodel in the world."

This was Gisele's own ambition, and rather than feigning modesty, she played along, clinking her glass against his. "And to the future number one movie star in Hollywood."

They both finished their champagne in near-perfect sync.

The shared toast seemed to warm the air between them. Matthew didn't press his advantage, instead asking with genuine curiosity, "With all the resources and influence that come with being a Victoria's Secret Angel, why did you decide to leave?"

Gisele smiled, but her words carried an undercurrent of authority. "Because Victoria's Secret couldn't give me what I want."

Hearing that, Matthew suddenly recalled watching the live broadcast of the Rio Olympics, where Gisele had made a spectacular appearance during the finale of the opening ceremony.

In his mind, she had achieved a level of global recognition that none of the other top-five supermodels could match.

Matthew considered this for a moment. "You're right. To become number one, you have to think beyond the established path."

Gisele looked at him, impressed. "Not many people see it that clearly."

"I chose to leave," she explained. "Victoria's Secret was putting more focus on Heidi Klum. They were instrumental in launching my career, but the brand came with too many restrictions."

"Now that I've reached this point, breaking free from that contract gives me far more room to grow."

Matthew took the empty glass from her hand and placed it on a passing waiter's tray. "I agree," he added. "If they can't provide you with the resources you deserve, you're better off on your own."

Gisele was about to reply when her eyes caught sight of the iconic sunglasses and long, white ponytail. "Karl Lagerfeld is heading this way," she warned Matthew quietly.

Matthew turned his head, following her gaze, and saw that the man himself—sunglasses, white hair pulled back in a ponytail and all—was indeed walking toward them.

"Gisele, darling," Karl greeted her.

"Karl," Gisele replied politely. "Hello."

As two titans of the fashion world, they were, of course, well acquainted.

Karl then turned to Matthew. "Hello, Matthew. You look even better in person than you do on screen."

"Mr. Lagerfeld," Matthew responded with a polite smile.

"I've seen many of your films." The subtext in Karl Lagerfeld's tone was difficult to decipher. "I was particularly impressed with your performance in *300*."

Matthew wasn't quite sure what he was implying, but he answered politely nonetheless. "I'm honored you enjoyed it."

"Oh, I most certainly did." Karl's eyes were hidden behind his dark sunglasses, making his expression impossible to read.

At that moment, however, Helen Hermann stepped forward, interrupting their conversation. "Mr. Lagerfeld, hello."

Karl turned to look at her and gave a slight nod. "Hello. And you are...?"

"I'm Matthew's agent," Helen Hermann said, moving to stand by his side. "I visited you in Paris with my father about seven years ago."

"Ah, yes. I remember now. You're one of the Hermanns, aren't you?"

Helen Hermann smiled. "Yes."

"How is your father? I haven't seen him in ages."

"He's retired," Helen Hermann replied. "I haven't seen much of him myself. He's developed a passion for traveling the world."

"I see." Dismissing Helen Hermann, Karl turned back to Matthew. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes. The film was magnificent. As was the character..."

His gaze swept over Matthew from head to toe. "Despite his terrible fashion sense, of course."

Matthew felt a prickle of unease under the designer's scrutinizing gaze, but he remained silent.

Karl added, "I'm staying here at the Sheraton. If you're interested in fashion, you should come by my suite tonight."

*What the hell does he mean by that?* Matthew's expression hadn't yet shifted, but he felt Helen Hermann's hand suddenly grip his arm. They had worked together for years; he knew instantly that she was sending him a signal.

"I'm sorry," Matthew said, not caring in the slightest about the man's intentions. "I have the shoot tomorrow, and I need to do some prep work tonight."

Karl gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "Then forget it."

Without another word, he made a vague excuse and walked away.

Matthew watched Karl's retreating back, then turned to Helen Hermann. "What was that about?"

Helen Hermann's reply was blunt. "It means exactly what you think it means."

Gisele, who had been standing nearby and had naturally overheard the exchange, remarked, "You're not like most people, Matthew."

"Just because I turned him down?" Matthew gave her a curious look.

Gisele nodded. "An invitation from Karl Lagerfeld is a very valuable thing in the fashion world."

"Maybe," Matthew countered. "But not for an actor."

Gisele gave a small smile and glanced at her watch. "I should be going. I'll see you at the shoot tomorrow."

She left quickly. Once she was out of earshot, Matthew turned to Helen Hermann, a note of indignation in his voice. "Did you grab my arm to remind me to say no to him?"

Helen Hermann replied in her usual, even tone. "Of course not. I was warning you to control yourself so you wouldn't punch him."