The Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, the epicenter of Scientology in Los Angeles, is a magnet for Hollywood celebrities. At each gathering, numerous stars not only bring their devotion but also open their wallets generously. This makes the Celebrity Centre one of the most crucial branches for Scientology.
Every senior figure in Scientology views managing the Hollywood Celebrity Centre as a significant step in their ascent within the organization.
Michelle Hammes, who took over the leadership of the Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles this April, had put considerable effort into gaining Tom Cruise's support. With Cruise's backing, he made a significant leap up the ranks.
Like his predecessors, Michelle Hammes took on the additional, though unspoken, task of monitoring Tom Cruise to ensure his unwavering loyalty to Scientology. However, his primary duty remained to attract and persuade more Hollywood celebrities to join Scientology.
Hollywood stars differ from regular followers; they possess fame and wealth. Their fame serves as promotion, and their money gradually becomes assets for Scientology.
Tom Cruise plays a crucial role in attracting Hollywood celebrities.
Recently, Michelle Hammes focused on three individuals: Hollywood superstar Matthew Horner and the British celebrity couple David and Victoria Beckham.
Horner's rising stardom could further boost Scientology's reputation, while the Beckhams could help the organization extend its reach into European high society.
Tom Cruise was key in these efforts.
There was a knock on the office door, and Michelle Hammes called out calmly, "Come in."
The door opened, and Tom Cruise, followed by his assistant Begovich, entered and sat down in the chairs opposite Hammes.
"Hello, Tom," Michelle Hammes, despite being senior in both experience and age, greeted Tom Cruise with great respect. "I specifically asked you here today to discuss the progress with the Beckham couple and Matthew Horner."
Begovich, in his thirties, glanced at Tom Cruise. He knew Cruise was tireless in his efforts to bring celebrities into Scientology. Beyond recruiting second and third-tier actors, Cruise had also helped bring in high-profile names like Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis's daughter, and Michael Jackson's ex-wife.
"Progress with David hasn't been smooth," Tom Cruise admitted, seeming somewhat uneasy. He quickly shifted focus. "The Beckham couple are staunch Catholics. It will take a long-term effort. I believe our current priority should be on Matthew Horner."
Michelle Hammes observed Cruise thoughtfully, weighing his words.
"Matthew Horner has accepted my invitation and will definitely attend the party," Cruise added, checking his watch. "Horner's name is highly recognizable now, and his fee has soared to $20 million per film. He's a very suitable target."
Contrary to media portrayals, Tom Cruise was quite clear-headed within the organization, displaying a distinct and calculated approach.
He continued, "Another important factor is that, as far as I know, Matthew Horner has no specific religious beliefs. This makes him more approachable compared to those with established faiths."
"That makes sense," Michelle Hammes agreed, nodding. "Tom, at the party, please introduce Matthew to me. I'll have a personal conversation with him."
Cruise checked his watch again. "No problem." He stood up, "I have to head to Paramount Pictures. Call me if there are any further questions."
With that, he left the office.
After the door closed, Begovich, a trusted aide brought by Hammes from headquarters, looked at the door thoughtfully. With no need for formalities between them, he said, "Recruiting Matthew Horner would indeed boost our influence. But considering his reputation, he might not be easy to handle. What's our approach?"
Michelle Hammes appeared confident. "A young man who becomes a superstar before thirty, comes from a background even poorer than Tom's, and has no religious beliefs, is likely to be mentally and emotionally void. Even if he appears strong on the outside, there will be vulnerabilities inside."
He smiled, continuing, "Do you know how the church managed to recruit Tom back in the day?"
Begovich understood instantly. "We should use the same methods that worked on Tom Cruise with Matthew Horner?"
"The method was very effective," Hammes responded, with a kindly smile. "We'll approach this from two angles: I will personally talk with Matthew to find out his needs and then guide him. Simultaneously, we need to find him a suitable mentor within the church."
"Can't we handle it ourselves?" Begovich asked.
Hammes shook his head slowly. "Don't forget, the person who brought Tom Cruise into the church was his first wife, Mimi Rogers."
Begovich instantly grasped Hammes's meaning. "You mean we should find a beautiful woman within the church for Matthew Horner?"
"Exactly," Hammes nodded. "Matthew Horner has a known penchant for young, beautiful women. I've already lined up a clever and capable woman who is also deeply devoted to the church. Moreover, she's a Hollywood actress."
Begovich admired Hammes's foresight, realizing he had planned well ahead.
Hammes picked up the phone, pressed a button, and said, "Notify Miss Heard to come to my office for a meeting."
Begovich, knowing his boss's working habits, moved to a corner seat, becoming an invisible presence.
After three or four minutes, the office door was knocked again. Upon Hammes's invitation, a slender, sensually attractive young woman entered.
Begovich was immediately captivated by the woman, who appeared to be around twenty, with stunning blonde hair. Among the women he had encountered, this girl, Amber Heard, was exceptionally beautiful and sensual, surpassing ninety-nine percent of Hollywood actresses in attractiveness.
For Matthew Horner, the church was indeed deploying its ultimate weapon, he mused.
"Begovich, let me introduce you," Hammes quickly made the introductions. "This is Amber Heard, who joined the Celebrity Centre two years ago. Amber, this is Begovich, my deputy."
After a brief exchange of greetings, Hammes gestured to the chair opposite his desk. "Have a seat, Amber."
Amber Heard sat down across from Hammes, arranging her loose blonde hair. She said nothing, but exuded an aura of profound reverence, akin to a devout Catholic in the presence of the Pope.
Michelle Hammes was particularly satisfied with Amber Heard. Based on records from the past two years, her devotion and zeal for Scientology surpassed even those of Tom Cruise and Mimi Rogers in their early days.
Similar to Nazanin Boniadi, these young women were not only believers but also valuable assets and, when necessary, strategic tools for Scientology.
"Amber," Hammes spoke with a tone akin to that of a divine messenger, "have you decided about the purification task we discussed last time?"
"Yes," Amber Heard responded without hesitation, her face reflecting deep sincerity. "I've made up my mind. I will guide the troubled and lost Matthew Horner into the church, allowing him to be purified and healed."
Hammes nodded in approval. "Tom Cruise will introduce you to him."
Hearing Tom Cruise's name, Amber Heard felt a thrill but controlled her reaction. She understood well that pursuing Cruise would provoke strong resistance from Scientology. However, Matthew Horner was a very appealing alternative.
With a devout expression, she declared, "I will follow the guidance."
Despite her outward demeanor, Amber Heard internally rolled her eyes. If not for John Travolta's claim that joining Scientology could enhance her career in Hollywood, she wouldn't have come to this "godforsaken" place.
She had spent two years as a diligent follower, selling Scientology books, without seeing any of the promised opportunities. After two years, she remained an obscure actress without fame or money.
"Damned Scientology," she thought to herself. However, she skillfully concealed these thoughts, having honed her acting skills over her small-time career.
Matthew Horner...
Hearing his name during the "guidance" session made her think of Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman, and now Katie Holmes.
Could she possibly have such an opportunity?
Thus, regardless of what Michelle Hammes said afterward, Amber Heard cooperated fully, presenting herself as a devout follower of Scientology.
After Amber Heard left, and Begovich received a few more instructions, Michelle Hammes stood by the window, gazing at the world outside, with Hollywood right before him.
He mentally reviewed all the preparations once more. Everything was ready. Now, they just awaited Matthew Horner's arrival.
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