Chapter 2: The Final Straw—and My Resignation

I’d even tell her how to send gifts to clients during the holidays.

Never thought she’d stab me in the back.

“I can’t afford your Starbucks, thanks.”

“And don’t call me ‘mentor’ anymore. If you’re going to steal clients like this, I’m done teaching you.”

I was furious, but Jenna just shrugged: “Then don’t drink it. I’ll save the money.”

She rolled her eyes and leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Why look so upset? You’re just old and slow. Young people can’t be ambitious?”

“No matter what you say, I’m in the right.”

She let out a little laugh, almost sing-song: “You old lady, just because I call you ‘mentor,’ you think you’re something?”

“Fine, I don’t want to call you that anymore. From now on, let’s see who’s got real skills.”

“But as for Mr. Peterson, he’s already my client, so stop dreaming.”

I didn’t wait for her to finish her rant—I headed straight for the branch manager’s office.

Manager Whitaker seemed to know exactly what was up. Before I could say a word, he started in:

“Sam, it’s already done. If you try to take your trainee’s client, it’s not a good look.”

He didn’t even look up from his monitor, fingers tapping out a rhythm on the desk. “Besides, you weren’t here at the time. Making a big client wait like that is on the branch.”

“Jenna was just helping you out.”

Swallowing my anger, I explained:

“I was already at the front door when Mr. Peterson arrived. Jenna blocked the parking lot with her car, making me a few minutes late.”

“I’ve already explained everything to Mr. Peterson on the phone. Why did Jenna still take him under my name?”

I showed Manager Whitaker the message Mr. Peterson sent me.

“He still doesn’t know the truth. So who’s really poaching whose client?”

My voice got sharper, and Manager Whitaker’s face darkened:

“Sam, you’ve gotten more and more arrogant these past years.”

He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head. “I’ve never heard of a financial advisor making clients wait. You mess up and blame others?”

“Jenna covered for you. Instead of thanking her, you accuse her of stealing your client?”

“If it weren’t for her, Mr. Peterson might have walked out.”

Now I got it—Manager Whitaker and Jenna were in on this together. Unbelievable.

It was as if they’d rehearsed this little drama. With this kind of favoritism, it’s hard not to suspect he was part of it.

Seeing my angry face, Manager Whitaker tried a gentler tone:

“You’re her mentor. Landing a big client is also your win.”

“How about this: I’ll approve two days off for you. Rest up and think about whether you were right or wrong.”

“Samantha Caldwell, you should count your blessings. Your monthly salary and commissions are the highest in the region—even more than mine.”

“What more do you want?”

Manager Whitaker was doing his usual mix of threats and sweet talk.

But he forgot—I was headhunted here by the previous manager.

I brought my own clients, and every month I bring in nearly $15 million in new deposits, supporting more than half the branch.

My high salary is earned. It’s got nothing to do with him.

By now, I’d already decided to quit.

“Manager Whitaker, since the commission for Mr. Peterson’s account goes to Jenna, then I’ll contact Mr. Peterson and ask her to reimburse the gifts I’ve given him.”

“From when I met Mr. Peterson until now, I’ve spent nearly $1,500 on related expenses. I’ll make a list—please let Jenna know as well.”

His eyes widened: “Sam, that’s ridiculous.”

He scoffed, half-laughing. “That’s your personal expense. Why should Jenna pay you back?”

“Just because you say it’s for client maintenance, it is?”

“I think you’re just upset and trying to make things hard for our star rookie, Jenna, right?”

“Sam, you’re a veteran. The branch needs new blood. You can’t always be the top seller. Give the new folks a shot.”

“That’s that. Mr. Peterson was received by Sam but opened the account with Jenna. He’s her client.”

“If you’re willing, share some clients with your trainee Jenna. If not, you can’t stop others from succeeding.”

“Sam, don’t try anything funny.”

I had to laugh.

It was so absurd I almost wanted to clap. Never heard of someone ‘holding onto’ the top sales spot just by seniority.

Every top seller has connections, luck, or is just that good. No one stays on top by waiting for the old-timers to step aside.

Manager Whitaker came in from the IT department—a classic outsider trying to play boss.

I was done playing their game. I didn’t bother arguing. I logged onto the company portal, typed up my resignation. Hit send. Done.

As I left the manager’s office, Jenna happened to walk by, still holding the paperwork.

She caught my eye and gave a little wave, those forms clutched like a trophy. Seeing me, she waved the forms and smirked: “Struck out, didn’t you?”

“Samantha, times have changed. It’s about ability now, not seniority.”

“You only have so many clients because you got here a few years earlier.”

“You really think it’s all because you’re so talented?”

“If you’re that good, why did Mr. Peterson switch to me so easily?”

She tugged at her blazer collar and walked into the manager’s office.

“Manager Whitaker~ I told you I could land Mr. Peterson~”

“See? Didn’t he just sign for that $700,000 investment with me?”

Jenna’s voice was loud, clearly meant for me to hear.

I paused to listen for Whitaker’s response.