The richest actor in Hollywood.

"Can we find a place to talk, Matthew?"

After a brief greeting, Tom Cruise took the initiative and suggested, "It's too noisy here."

The superstar, with his extraordinary personal charm and friendliness, made an earnest invitation that was hard to refuse. Although Matthew didn't know why Tom Cruise was inviting him, he didn't want to decline. After all, opportunities to interact closely with Tom Cruise were rare.

It's not that he idolized Tom Cruise or was a fanatic. Ever since he took Nicolas Cage's role, he had let go of his mindset as a mere movie viewer, understanding deeply that he was now a player in this fame and fortune game.

If he had to choose, he preferred Nicolas Cage over Tom Cruise, even though the latter's fame and status in Hollywood were far superior.

Tom Cruise obviously had something to discuss, or he wouldn't have approached him. Coincidentally, Matthew also needed something from Tom Cruise. Adding Tom Cruise to the charity dinner on the 25th would definitely draw more attention.

So, Matthew agreed without hesitation, asking Elena Boyar to leave with James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, while he followed Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes to a café near the stadium.

"Please, have a seat, Matthew."

Tom Cruise didn't display the arrogance of a superstar but instead was very approachable. After Matthew sat opposite him and Katie Holmes, Tom continued, "I've wanted to meet you for a long time but never had the chance. I'm glad we ran into each other today."

Matthew replied with a smile, "Tom, I've been a fan of yours since I was less than ten years old." He laughed heartily. "I still can't believe I'm talking to you face-to-face."

Before Tom Cruise could respond, he added, "The first time I saw 'Top Gun,' I decided I would be your fan for life."

If an ordinary fan had said this, Tom Cruise wouldn't have cared much, but coming from Matthew, now a Hollywood A-lister, even if most of it was flattery, it was still very flattering.

Compliments feel different when coming from a general person compared to a star.

Tom Cruise developed a slight fondness for Matthew. He hadn't interacted with him before and didn't know he was such a smooth talker.

Matthew glanced at Tom Cruise, then at Katie Holmes, who seemed like a mere accessory, and asked, "Tom, I heard you and Katie are getting married this year and are preparing for the wedding?"

Tom Cruise nodded. The news had been out for a while, so he openly said, "The wedding is in November." Then, recalling something, he invited, "Matthew, I'd love for you to attend our wedding if you're available."

Matthew laughed, "It would be an honor!"

However, he was well aware that Tom Cruise hadn't approached him just to invite him to a wedding.

"Actually, Katie and I wanted to take this opportunity to connect more with our friends in the industry," Tom Cruise continued, displaying none of the arrogance or foolishness rumored about him. "We both love hosting."

Matthew nodded slightly, sensing that Tom Cruise hadn't finished speaking.

Tom Cruise continued, "At the end of July, Katie and I will host an event at the Church of Scientology Hollywood Celebrity Center. Can you come?"

Church of Scientology Hollywood Celebrity Center? Matthew immediately picked up on this key phrase.

He knew exactly what the Church of Scientology Hollywood Celebrity Center was. The Church of Scientology had numerous followers in Hollywood, always acting publicly and flamboyantly, making it hard to miss.

And Tom Cruise was one of the two major icons of the Church of Scientology in Hollywood.

Back when Matthew was working on the other side of the Pacific, he had read plenty of gossip online about Tom Cruise's ties with Scientology. Many wondered why a star with his fame, wealth, and status would advocate for Scientology, even lobbying for its tax exemption status in the UK, risking his reputation.

There were also many online who couldn't understand why Tom Cruise didn't leave Scientology.

At that time, Matthew just viewed such gossip as entertainment. But after coming to Hollywood and working here for a few years, with friends like Elena Boyar, he gained some understanding of such matters.

Tom Cruise was never a minor figure in Scientology, nor just a public figurehead. He was now among the higher-ups in Scientology. According to Elena Boyar, Tom Cruise was definitely among the top twenty within the Church and might even become one of the top five leaders in a few years.

Despite many of his actions, including his marriage, being controlled by Scientology, Tom Cruise's enthusiasm and dedication to the Church went far beyond just curing his dyslexia, as outsiders speculated.

Matthew was not surprised at all. A superstar like Tom Cruise, even if he started as a fool, would have been honed into a sharp character after climbing from a small actor to a superstar over a decade in the fiercely competitive Hollywood.

Those who didn't become sharp were mostly eliminated along the way.

Seeing Matthew remain silent, Tom Cruise gave a charming smile and said, "It's just a simple party with some religious ceremonies."

"Is that so..." Matthew didn't agree immediately.

Tom Cruise added, "No matter what, religion can help us. Scientology won't prevent people with other beliefs from entering the Hollywood Celebrity Center."

Thinking of his own goals, Matthew said, "Tom, 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' premieres in July and will still be in its promotional period at the end of July. I can't confirm my schedule yet."

"Hmm..." He thought for a moment and said, "How about this: if my schedule permits, I'll definitely attend."

Tom Cruise, also an actor, added, "Katie and I really hope you can come."

Instead of responding to this, Matthew said, "Tom, I'm hosting a charity dinner on June 25th. My agency sent you an invitation. Did you receive it?"

Invitation? Tom Cruise hadn't seen it, likely because his agency had declined it directly.

He looked at Matthew Horner without showing any change in expression but knew in his heart that all the fan talk was just nonsense.

For reasons he would never speak aloud, Tom Cruise "firmly believed" that his ultimate goal in life was to convert non-believers to Scientology.

Of course, he wasn't interested in the poor; he wanted people like Matthew Horner, who had fame and wealth.

Fame could attract more followers to Scientology; wealth could contribute large sums of money.

Especially the latter, which he had come to realize after his divorce from Nicole Kidman. Scientology had billions of dollars in wealth!

Tom Cruise smiled charmingly and said, "I received it, but I need to confirm my schedule. If I don't have any urgent work that day, I'll definitely attend."

He didn't commit firmly either.

Matthew nodded slightly and said, "Shall we get in touch tomorrow?"

"Sure." Tom Cruise stood up, ready to leave, and said, "Let's contact each other tomorrow."

Matthew shook hands with Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in turn, and the couple soon left the café.

Watching them walk away, Matthew pondered. As someone who grew up in a socialist country, he wasn't easily brainwashed by religion. Visiting the Scientology Hollywood Celebrity Center didn't seem like a big deal.

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' wedding shouldn't be a problem. Scientology wouldn't try to recruit others at such an event.

Matthew recalled the industry gossip that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes had signed a very special prenuptial agreement under the Church's influence.

For example, Katie Holmes would receive $3 million annually after marriage, and a $20 million bonus at the end of the fifth year. If she ended the marriage within five years, she would have to pay Tom Cruise $10 million. Additionally, Katie Holmes would receive a $10 million bonus for each child she bore. They would both have to attend Scientology courses and major events. Katie Holmes was required to always display happiness. When the Church's deity left Earth to return to the Galactic Confederacy, she must accompany Tom Cruise on his chosen carrier or ship, or lose all her assets...

Matthew believed the financial parts of these rumors were likely true, common in Hollywood celebrity marriages. The Scientology-related parts, he wasn't sure about.

After all, he had never had any religious beliefs.

Matthew then left the café and rejoined Elena Boyar waiting at the stadium entrance, and they returned to Beverly Hills together.

Once back, Helen Herman came to see him. Matthew canceled the Hawaii trip planned by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. Starting in June, he would be involved in Disney's promotional activities for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."

First was an interview with Nickelodeon in early June, conducted by Lily Collins.

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