The Most Famous Actor in Hollywood

"Philip, this is Matthew," Helen Herman formally introduced in the reception room of the Horner estate, presenting a tall, middle-aged Caucasian man wearing glasses. "Matthew, this is Mr. Philip Grand, the Deputy Commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Office."

Upon hearing this introduction, Matthew immediately extended his right hand, warmly shaking hands with the middle-aged man and said with neither servility nor overbearing pride, "Hello, Mr. Grand, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Helen Herman had already mentioned that the visitor was connected to the United Nations' goodwill ambassador role that the Angel Agency had been seeking for him.

"Hello, Mr. Horner," the middle-aged man named Philip Grand responded politely, "I've seen many of your films, and they are quite impressive."

Matthew thanked him and invited Philip Grand and Helen Herman to sit at their leisure.

Facing the UN official, Matthew conducted himself with great decorum.

After the trio sat down, the maid promptly served coffee. Once she left, Matthew briefly exchanged pleasantries with Philip Grand, who then turned to the main topic of his visit.

"I have come uninvited, specifically to represent the refugees from Africa and to express their gratitude to you," Philip Grand stated courteously and formally, "Thank you and Miss Charlize Theron for donating 1.5 million dollars to the refugee commission for African refugees."

"I have always been concerned about the situation in Africa and wanted to help those whose homes have been destroyed by war," Matthew solemnly replied. "Any conscientious person, having seen what has happened there, would make the same choice as I did."

After he and Charlize Theron sold the exclusive media rights to their engagement ceremony to TMZ, they had donated the received amount of 1.5 million dollars to a charity under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, specifically to help African refugees.

This was primarily influenced by Charlize Theron's wishes, as she felt a special connection to Africa.

Helen Herman timely interjected, "Matthew is very concerned about the plight of refugees and has repeatedly inquired about the condition of African refugees, donating to them more than once."

In Hollywood as in politics, the ability to boldly stretch the truth was a fundamental skill.

Philip Grand nodded seriously as if he believed every word Helen Herman had said.

"The main objective of the UN Refugee Agency is to protect the rights and health of refugees," Helen Herman continued, "Mr. Grand, your office has been diligently working to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum in another country, find safe havens, and voluntarily return home, and to seek permanent solutions to their predicaments."

Philip Grand took over the conversation, "That is the mission of the Refugee Agency." He stated gravely, "We are committed to eradicating the refugee problem."

Hearing this, Matthew spoke again, "I too hope to contribute to such a noble cause."

"Mr. Grand," Helen Herman this time did not beat around the bush and directly stated, "Like your office, Matthew is very concerned about the refugee issue and wants to do practical work for the refugees. If our two sides collaborate, we can definitely help more people and bring more global attention to the refugee crisis."

Matthew had previously discussed this with Helen Herman and now added, "I plan to establish two charitable foundations in the near future, one to help refugees traumatized by war and another to provide better life and educational opportunities for refugee children."

Discussing acting, his profession, Matthew's face bore a grave expression, "No one is born a refugee; they are the unfortunate result of war."

Helen Herman glanced at Matthew, knowing well that he didn't actually care whether African refugees lived or died. Yet, now, it seemed his acting skills were quite convincing.

Listening to and observing him, it almost seemed as though the African refugees were his own family.

Philip Grand strongly agreed with Matthew's words, "Mr. Horner, your statement is very accurate; no one is born a refugee."

"Every day, war tears apart thousands of families," Matthew eloquently continued. "They may be forced to leave loved ones or become separated in the chaos of war."

He emphasized, "Children suffer the most in these circumstances."

"The refugee crisis is a global issue," Philip Grand nodded in agreement. "It requires the cooperation of everyone."

Matthew again spoke solemnly, "If it were not for war, no one would be a refugee by birth; all refugees deserve respect and sympathy."

For some reason, as he spoke these words, he suddenly thought of Optimus Prime. If Transformers really existed in the world, Prime would be a truly unique existence, preferring his own kin to suffer rather than letting others have the best.

Helen Herman interjected again, "Only with the cooperation of all capable people can this global problem be solved, and Matthew is willing to contribute his part."

Matthew spoke earnestly, "I will do my best to help those in

 need."

Philip Grand smiled slightly and said, "The Refugee Agency has always been committed to uniting social forces. If Mr. Horner joins us, I personally would be most welcoming."

He didn't make an outright commitment as the position of UN Refugee Agency goodwill ambassador wasn't just Matthew's for the taking, nor was it his decision alone.

Matthew was well aware of this, with Angelina Jolie being his direct competitor, having adopted many orphans.

But he couldn't say much outright, as speaking ill of Angelina Jolie in front of Philip Grand could backfire.

So, he continued to discuss the plight of African refugees.

During the filming of "Black Hawk Down," Matthew had visited Morocco in Africa and seen some of the black people who had been displaced there due to war. Though he had felt indifferent, discussing this topic with Philip Grand, he seemed knowledgeable and not just talkative.

Overall, Matthew's meeting with Philip Grand, a UN Refugee Agency official, remained enveloped in a serious, earnest, and friendly atmosphere.

After about forty minutes, Philip Grand initiated his departure. Matthew escorted him to the estate's fountain plaza, where Helen Herman accompanied Philip Grand as they left in the car.

Matthew understood that some things he couldn't say or do, Helen Herman would handle on his behalf.

"Mr. Grand," Helen Herman directly asked in the departing car, "What do you think of Matthew?"

Philip Grand pondered for a few seconds and replied, "Very good, he has a healthy and sunny image, and he's compassionate." He seemed to preempt what Helen Herman wanted to discuss, adding, "Personally, Matthew is the best choice for a goodwill ambassador, but Ms. Herman, I am only a deputy commissioner and do not have the final say. Some people in the agency favor Angelina Jolie; her recent years of adopting war orphans play to her advantage."

Helen Herman knew that Matthew couldn't compete in this regard, as having him travel the world to adopt orphans would likely lead him to renounce the goodwill ambassador title.

"I understand," Helen Herman replied, pulling a small document envelope from her briefcase and handing it to Philip Grand, "This might change many minds."

Although a New York businessman had facilitated their contact, and Helen Herman had met him several times, Philip Grand did not immediately accept the envelope, instead asking cautiously, "What is this?"

Helen Herman knew his concerns and explained, "Some information about Angelina Jolie." She stated succinctly, "Jolie's drug use, homosexuality, and scandal with her brother, her current reputation is extremely poor, with the media only portraying her negatively. If the Refugee Agency appoints her as a goodwill ambassador..."

She shook her head, not finishing her thought.

Philip Grand took the envelope, glanced inside, then tucked it away, stating, "I will not let the Refugee Agency become a laughingstock of public opinion."

If what Helen Herman said was true, most people at the Refugee Agency would likely choose Matthew Horner over Angelina Jolie.

Helen Herman then changed the topic, starting to discuss Amanda's father with Philip Grand. It was through Amanda's connections that she had contacted this official from the Refugee Agency.

Originally, she had planned for Matthew to aim for an ambassadorship with the United Nations Children's Fund, but with the recent upheavals in the Iraq war and conflicts in Africa causing millions to be displaced, and with the possibility of leveraging connections with the Refugee Agency officials for easier operations, they had opted for the Refugee Agency goodwill ambassador.

The only surprise was the eager Angelina Jolie, also maneuvering for the goodwill ambassador role.

If Angelina Jolie secured the goodwill ambassadorship and then produced a couple of outstanding works, she could likely rehabilitate her image.

Unfortunately, for her and Matthew's interests, it would be better if Angelina Jolie didn't rehabilitate, continuing instead to share the blame with Brad Pitt.

After all, the current dire straits of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were partly orchestrated by her and Matthew, so continuing their decline wouldn't burden her conscience.

The United Nations Refugee Agency would not respond immediately, and Matthew was aware of this, prepared to wait patiently.

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT