A colleague’s vendetta over an affair threatens my career and custody battle

I’ve been at this firm for seven years. Top performer every quarter. Until Jenna decided I was her enemy.

She called me into a meeting with David and HR. I thought it was a routine review. Instead, she’d sent an email detailing my “performance issues.” And my affair with her ex-husband.

I was furious. I filed a harassment complaint. Hired a lawyer for my custody case. I thought I was fighting back.

Then my lawyer dropped a bomb. During the deposition, she showed a text I’d sent to a friend—where I said I was overwhelmed and thinking about giving up custody of Lily.

I’d said that out loud. Jenna must have gotten wind of it. I handed her the weapon myself.

But she wasn’t done. Jenna produced a recording. In it, I admitted to cutting corners at work and being too tired to parent. She sent it to David and the custody court.

David called us both in. He put us on performance improvement plans. Recommended counseling. The judge ordered a psychological evaluation for both parents.

I sat there, humbled. I wanted to blame Jenna for everything. But I was the one who had the affair. I was the one who complained about my daughter. I was the one who cut corners.

So am I wrong here? I started this fire. But Jenna poured the gasoline.