Reporters sward the Long Beach Pier, and Warner TV had even dispatched a broadcast van for the occasion.
A short distance away, frad by a forest of dia caras, a massive container ship was docked. A gantry crane thodically lifted one container after another, loading them onto the vessel.
Ilana was in her elent. Standing before her two cara operators, she pointed to a standard container being hoisted into the air. "Keep the cara on the markings," she directed.
The red container was emblazoned with the blue UNHCR logo and, just below it, the white insignia of the M&H Matthew Foundation.
"How many containers is that now?" an older journalist muttered, the click of his cara's shutter punctuating the question.
A younger reporter, cara balanced on his shoulder, replied, "Looks like about forty-five so far."
"Horner's really putting his money where his mouth is."
Ilana shot the two n a quick glance but kept her thoughts to herself. She knew the truth of it: a large investnt yielded a large return.
Besides, it wasn't as if Matthew was spending his own money.
He had clearly raised a substantial amount through his two foundations.
For so reason, her thoughts drifted to the woman with the short blonde hair. She was about Matthew's age but possessed an exceptional shrewdness and a keen understanding of business.
Truck after truck rolled past, each container bearing the dual markings of the UNHCR and Matthew's foundation.
From her vantage point, Ilana could clearly see the UN officials looking quite animated as several of them spoke with Matthew. They were too far away for her to make out their words, however.
The conversations of those around her, however, were perfectly clear.
"I didn't think Hollywood stars did anything more than stand on a stage and shout slogans. It's nice to see so real action."
"Matthew's a cut above those celebrities who just talk about helping but never actually do anything."
"It's important for stars to have a sense of social responsibility."
Even the young journalist beside Ilana chid in, "Stars have so much influence. When they do sothing aningful like this, it can bring a lot of attention to important social issues."
Ilana knew him better; she understood his motives weren't entirely pure. But she also knew that this act would genuinely help a lot of people, and it would silence even those who were determined to slander him.
Arican society was heading in a direction she couldn't quite grasp these days. This shipnt of aid from Matthew was bound for the war-torn nations of Africa.
****
In an open area of the docks, Guterres, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, was speaking with Matthew. "I've already contacted the peacekeeping forces," he said. "They'll provide an escort to ensure the supplies reach their destination. You have nothing to worry about."
Matthew shook the Portuguese man's hand. "Thank you."
"No, no," Guterres insisted, shaking his head. "I'm the one who should be thanking you. You're going to help a great many refugees."
They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Guterres departed from the Long Beach port. As the head of the UNHCR, his schedule was packed, and making ti to co here had been a considerable effort.
Amanda walked over, removing her sunglasses to gaze at the cargo ship. "The film crew leaves in a week," she announced. "They'll et the convoy in Africa, then follow it to the refugee camps to interview the people receiving the supplies."
Matthew nodded. "Make sure you stay on top of it."
Amanda stood beside him. "Don't worry. They're all veteran war correspondents who have spent plenty of ti in Africa."
With that said, she gestured toward the reporters being held back by security. "A lot of them want an interview."
Matthew shook his head. "It has to be the right kind of publicity to be effective."
"I'll make sure the world knows what a good man you are."
They had already discussed the plan at length that morning; Matthew wasn't supposed to give any direct interviews.
Only when the last container was loaded did Amanda signal security to allow the reporters into a designated press area. Then, she stepped before the bank of caras and microphones to speak on Matthew's behalf.
"We know there's a limit to what one person or one organization can accomplish," she began. "But Matthew told
that we must do everything in our power to help those in desperate need."
"Matthew has visited the refugee camps in Africa. He's seen their struggle firsthand. That's why he established two charitable foundations and why we are involved in such a wide range of philanthropic activities."
She straightened her shoulders and declared, "Matthew has also asked
to announce on his behalf that one-third of his earnings from every film, including the upcoming 300*, will be donated to his charitable foundations to help those in need."
There was no shortage of idealists and genuinely dedicated people among the press corps, and they began to applaud spontaneously at her announcent.
The reporters from TMZ and Warner enthusiastically joined in, and soon the applause swept through the entire crowd.
Amanda didn't intend to say anything more. She turned and headed for the parking lot, glancing back at the still-buzzing reporters with a slight shake of her head and a shrug.
This kind of charitable giving was, in essence, all about building a good na.
In truth, she knew Matthew had made this decision after careful deliberation. All Hollywood salaries were pre-tax, and charitable donations were, of course, tax-deductible.
Even if Matthew didn't donate a di, a huge chunk of that money would go straight to the IRS anyway.
But to the vast majority of people, it looked like a genuine act of kindness.
Sliding into Matthew's rcedes van, Amanda finally let out a sigh of relief. "I feel like I deserve a Golden Globe for that performance."
"How about I cast you as the lead in my next movie?" Matthew quipped.
"Your next movie? You've already picked one out?" she asked.
Matthew didn't miss a beat. "Not yet."
He dropped the humorous tone and beca serious. "You aren't planning to just sit on all my salary donations, are you?"
"Don't worry," Amanda replied, leaning back in her seat. "I'll use a portion of it for actual charity work," she said languidly, "and I'll make sure the books make you look magnificent."
Matthew gazed out the window. "I feel a little... strange, pulling you into all this."
"Feeling guilty?" Amanda asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. She then shook her head. "The worst that can happen is a little inconvenience."
Matthew considered this for a mont. "Maybe," he said. "But you know, looking back, I always pictured you as that sa carefree secretary from the Angel Agency, without a sche in your head."
"It doesn't matter," Amanda replied calmly. "Isn't that just how our society works? You can't get by without playing the ga."
She then changed the subject. "Is it true that all you need to succeed in Hollywood is good looks?"
Matthew chuckled. "Definitely not."
"What else, then?" Amanda asked, her curiosity piqued.
After a mont of thought, Matthew answered slowly, "Looks, persistence, and luck. Yeah, that's about it."
"Luck?" Amanda echoed, surprised.
"It's the most important part," Matthew affird with a nod. "eting you, getting that lead role in Britney's video... eting Helen... Without all her prep work, I might have made it eventually, but it would have taken much, much longer."
He knew there were so hugely popular films he never would have had a shot at, simply because a newcor with no connections or resources could never land a lead or even a prominent supporting role in such a project.
His own hard work, his luck, and his uncanny foresight had all played a significant part in getting him to where he was today.
Amanda tilted her head, looking at him playfully. "So, you were lucky to have t ?"
"Isn't it true?" Matthew said honestly. "If you hadn't helped , how would I have ever stood out from all the other extras at the Angel Agency to get Helen's attention?"
Amanda clapped her hands together. "Well, in that case, you owe
a big thank you!"
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