Here is my attempt, as a beginner in tarot:7 of pentacles + 5 of swords
Fruits of hard work were evaluated, maybe more was expected, or the convenience of risking what you had for the perspective of achieving more. Pausing to contemplate the results and deciding what is next.
Inner or external conflict. There were obstacles or difficulties, or opponents, need to avoid impulsiveness, need to have a strategy to defend yourself or your plans. Need to deal with the reasons of the inner conflicts.
I'd say in a way M may could be seen as an enemy in the sense that somehow he/she was actually involved in the difficulties you faced, as a competitor or creating minor difficulties.
The cards could be just showing your struggle to understand what role he/she played. But my question was "please show M's character".