Chapter 375: The Trees and the Forest

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the vast bedroom. Charlize Theron woke from her sleep, intending to get up but found her waist aching and her legs weak, a lingering aftermath of last night's fervor. She reached out to the other side of the bed, as usual, only to find it empty and cold.

"That jerk..." Charlize struggled to sit up, her gaze sweeping across the scattered clothes in the bedroom. She sighed heavily, recalling last night's escapades, "How can he have so much energy?"

Living with Matthew Horner for two months, no matter how late they stayed up, Matthew always managed to get up early for a morning run. Perhaps it was this relentless exercise that endowed him with a robust body and abundant energy.

However, Charlize felt that it was partly natural vigor—after all, that part of him...

She shook her head, forgoing clothing as she stepped into the bathroom for a shower, then quickly washed up and tidied the chaotic room. She changed into the clothes she had set out the night before and dragged the last suitcase from the closet.

Today, Charlize Theron was officially moving out of Horner Manor. Her agent, Heidi Shaefer, had already coordinated with the media for a press conference in the afternoon to announce her breakup with Matthew.

Everything was meticulously planned, and communications had been smoothly handled across all parties, minimizing the likelihood of surprises.

As for the public and media perception, it wouldn't cause significant harm or loss to either her or Matthew.

Charlize packed the last of her belongings into her suitcase and tidied the bedroom one last time. Standing on the carpet, she found herself momentarily lost in the memories of joy that had filled this space.

But she would not stay any longer, knowing the kind of person the master of the house was, staying would only lead to great hurt for both, making even friendship impossible.

"This is it," Charlize muttered to herself. "It's time to end this."

At that moment, the bedroom door opened and Matthew entered, noticing Charlize in casual attire, lost in thought in the center of the room. He approached her.

"What are you thinking about, Sally?" Matthew stood by her side. "If you don't want to leave, you can stay."

Charlize didn't take his bait, instead pushing him gently, "Go take a shower, you reek of sweat."

Matthew shrugged and turned into the bathroom, quickly freshening up. When he returned, dressed in homewear, Charlize and her suitcase were no longer in the bedroom.

He sighed, descending to the dining room where breakfast was ready, and Charlize was already eating at the oak table.

Matthew pulled out a chair across from her, and with a gesture, the chef and maid swiftly exited the dining room.

"When is the press conference?" he asked, picking up his utensils.

Charlize didn't look up. "Today at three."

"Honestly, Sally," Matthew glanced around the vast dining room, "it's going to feel too empty eating breakfast here alone."

Charlize wiped her mouth with a napkin, looked up, and said, "It's just as empty with two people."

Only then did Matthew notice the faint dark circles under her eyes. "Didn't sleep well last night? You've got dark circles."

"Not just last night." Charlize glared at him, her tone a mix of weariness and annoyance. "I haven't slept well for several nights! What's gotten into you these days?"

Matthew simply shrugged, pointing at her dark circles, "Looks like it's not just me who's been crazy."

Charlize was speechless, opting to finish her skim milk.

After drinking her milk, she stood up and left the dining room. Matthew quickly finished his bacon and followed.

In the large living room, Charlize was ready to leave with her suitcase. Matthew hurried over, took the luggage from her, and said, "The press conference isn't until the afternoon, why the rush?"

Charlize glanced at him, her stride unbroken, "Sooner or later, I have to go."

Though he wanted to try to keep her, rationality told Matthew it was impossible. He quietly accompanied her out.

A black sedan slowly approached and stopped on the small plaza behind the fountain in front of the house.

The driver got out, took the suitcase from Matthew, and placed it in the trunk. Charlize looked back at the house she had lived in for so long.

Matthew walked to the car door, opening it for Charlize, "If it's okay, come back and visit me sometimes."

Charlize stepped towards the door, paused, and suddenly embraced Matthew. He returned the hug.

"If I miss you," Charlize said suddenly, "I'll come to see you."

Matthew gently patted her sturdy back, "You're welcome anytime."

Charlize released her arms, and Matthew stepped back

. They exchanged a glance, and Charlize got into the car, slamming the door shut without hesitation and instructing the driver, "Head to Santa Monica Canyon."

She had a residence there and had moved most of her belongings over the previous two days.

Watching the black car drive away from the estate, Matthew pocketed his hands and turned back inside. Aside from Britney, his first love, Charlize was the only woman in recent years who truly stirred his heart. Yet this feeling hadn't overwhelmed his senses; he knew Charlize wouldn't pause her life for him, nor would he for her.

Settling on the living room sofa, his phone rang. It was a call from Elena Boyar, who was tailing Charlize.

Picking up, Matthew said, "Hi, Elena."

"Elena, I'm already on Charlize's trail," she reported, clearly in motion. "I just waved to her through the car window."

These were all prearranged plans with Charlize's team. Matthew cut to the chase, "Take some photos and post them online before her press conference this afternoon."

Having helped him numerous times, Elena was a reliable ally. This kind of cooperation was mutually beneficial.

"My team is already on it," Elena's mood seemed upbeat. "Thanks for giving me another sensational exclusive."

Matthew didn't mince words, "Watch your stance, and don't forget to guide public opinion."

"Don't worry, we've worked together more than once; I know what to do," Elena assured him.

"Good." Matthew wasn't worried about her handling. As the home phone rang, he wrapped up, "Let's end it here, contact me or Helen if anything comes up, I have another call."

Hanging up, he answered the home phone—it was Helen Herman.

"Is Charlize gone?" Helen asked immediately.

"Gone," Matthew replied, glancing at the clock. "She left about ten minutes ago, Elena is with her."

"Her press conference is at three," Helen reminded, "Get ready, and don't forget to step out tonight."

"I will," Matthew reassured, switching the phone to his other hand. "Elena will join me here after Charlize's press conference."

"Just watch your words, don't say anything too fiery," Helen advised.

"I know," Matthew affirmed, "I've memorized the script you prepared."

"Let's discuss the details in person this afternoon at your estate," Helen proposed, still somewhat anxious.

"Sure," Matthew agreed, then added playfully, "I just heard the other day that there was a murder in the garden here."

The line went dead with a click.

Matthew shrugged and set down the phone, walking to the large bay window. From his vantage point, it seemed he could see all of Beverly Hills and half of the City of Angels under his feet—a delusion, of course.

He knew such a perception was an illusion, impossible to realize. In this circle, anyone with a bit of ambition wouldn't settle for being a vassal. Temporary patience was for a far-reaching future, not endless tolerance.

He was just an actor.

With that, Matthew decided to fully let go of Charlize Theron. What was past was past, and life must move forward. They had entered into a sham engagement by agreement. What began as a falsehood was hard to turn into truth.

Though he felt some regret, he chose to look ahead. Outside, Beverly Hills was lush with thriving, vibrant trees.

Standing at the window for a while, Matthew then walked through the corridor to the estate's terrace, the best vantage point for views almost up to 180 degrees. On a clear day, one could even see the silhouette of the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

That's where Charlize Theron's press conference would be held later that afternoon.

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