Tom's manner of speaking was becoming more like that of his youth. It was passionate, convincing and reassuring. Although he had been a half-blood in his youth, he had been able to convince all the pure-blood wizards in this way.
In fact, young Tom's style was more dangerous than that of the Dark Lord, who ruled by fear and force.
If Tom had acted like Grindelwald and appealed to all wizards, he could have ruled the world. But he lost that style when his body and soul were deformed by the Horcruxes he made.
When Tom regained his old style, he was perhaps at his most powerful. He was strong enough to fight Dumbledore using only his strength and charisma.
Now he was using his abilities to persuade the woman before him. Even though he didn't have the big goals and ambitions he had before, he had never enjoyed his life as much as he did now.
In fact, his first body was born with a problem because of the love potion his mother gave his father. That's why he couldn't feel emotions like love, happiness or sadness that other people felt.
After he made his Horcruxes, he gained some new emotions. Hate and anger were the new emotions he gained, and these were the emotions he would lose.
Now, without the negative effects he used to have, Riddle felt as if he had been reborn and was filled with a great desire to discover his new possessions.
When he thought about his feelings for Alice, he assumed it was love. Even though he had always thought love was silly, he now wanted to experience it.
Alice looked at Tom a little shyly. Tom, I have something to say.
Tom looked curiously at Alice's slightly embarrassed expression. Alice, who usually looked brave in front of him, now looked shy. You can tell me whatever you want, whenever you want. He liked her shy look.
I promised my parents we'd come without your permission. They want to meet you. Alice thought Tom might be angry. Edythe and Esme had been pressuring Alice for a long time. That's why she'd finally agreed.
Tom did not value the concept of family, but this time he could compromise for Alice's sake. Let's go.
Alice took Tom's hand and began to pull him into the car. 'Thank you.' She tried to be as gentle as possible, afraid that his strength would hurt her.
Tom wasn't looking forward to meeting the Cullen family, but when he saw Alice's excitement, he tried to look eager for them.
As Alice and Tom got into the car, they drove to the Cullen home. Alice offered to let Tom drive, but he refused. Although he tried the activities that normal people did, he did not enjoy most of them. One of the activities he did not enjoy was driving a car.
He'd rather drive a car than teleport or fly. He only drove so that ordinary people wouldn't notice him.
We can go back if you don't want to. Alice was saddened by Tom's pensive look. She thought Tom was reluctant.
I want to meet your family. Tom wanted to talk to the Cullen family, but the main reason he wanted to talk to them was that the Cullen family, being a supernatural family, would surely know something.
Alice noticed that Tom's expression softened a little as they approached the Cullen home. Perhaps Tom was not as reluctant as she had thought.
Alice slowly parked the car in front of the Cullen's large, modern and stylish home. The outside of the house was like a shining light in the middle of the dark forest; it was simple but impressive.
Alice held Tom's hand as they walked to the door. Please be patient, won't you? They can be so... inquisitive sometimes.
Tom nodded, a slight smile on his face. 'It's all right for them to be curious. I'm curious myself.
Alice smiled at these words, a little nervous but fascinated at the same time. Tom's confidence and seeming mastery of every situation both fascinated and frightened her. As they reached the door, they heard movement from inside.
The door opened quickly to reveal Edward. Edward's eyes searched Tom carefully; he had a confused expression on his face. Tom greeted Edward coolly, giving him a look that suggested he realised he could read his mind.
'Tom Miller, I believe,' Edward said, his tone both gentle and cautious.
'Tom Riddle, actually,' Tom replied, calm and measured. He had no intention of probing Edward's mind, but he sensed that the other was as dangerous a being as he was. Edward hesitated for a moment, then turned to Alice and smiled. 'Thank you for coming. Mum's waiting for you inside.
Alice gave Tom a puzzled look. She knew Tom's surname was Miller and was a little surprised to hear the surname 'Riddle'.
The reason Tom said the surname Riddle was that he no longer felt the need to hide some things.
When Edward opened the door wide, Tom walked in with Alice. The Cullen living room was furnished with modern furniture and stylish decorations. Tom immediately felt the energy in the room. It was clear that everyone in this house was a supernatural being. Even for someone like him, the atmosphere was intense and challenging.
Esme approached Alice and Tom with an elegant and warm smile. Welcome,' she said, her voice soft but sincere. Alice has told me so much about you. We are so happy to finally meet you.
'I've been looking forward to meeting you,' Tom said, bowing slightly. He had deliberately used his charisma and powers of persuasion. It is important for me to meet Alice's family.
Esme could not remain indifferent to Tom's gentle and charismatic manner. However, all the other Cullen's, especially Jasper and Rosalie, looked at Tom with a distant gaze. They sensed his dark, aura-like energy.
But if Tom had wanted to, no one could have sensed his dark aura.
Jasper whispered to Rosalie beside him, but Tom heard him clearly: 'That man feels dangerous. Why is Alice with this man? Tom showed no reaction to what he heard, just continued to watch them in silence.
When Tom noticed Jasper and Rosalie's distant and cautious demeanour, he put a small smile on his face. He had expected this reaction.
It was now commonplace for Tom to feel uncomfortable in the presence of humans - or vampires. But here it was up to him how much information he would reveal about himself and how he would test the boundaries of this family.
Carlisle crossed the room and joined the group. He greeted Tom with a friendly handshake. Tom, thank you for agreeing to meet with us. I knew right away you were the person Alice was talking about.
Tom smiled slightly as he shook Carlisle's hand. 'Thank you for the hospitality you've shown me. Spending time with someone like Alice is truly... a unique experience,' he said.
The emphasis in his sentence showed his admiration for Alice, but also carried a carefully chosen honesty. Carlisle looked into Tom's eyes as if to see if his words were sincere, but there was nothing to read in the other man's face.
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