Analysis of the Sentence
1. Identify the relationship: The key is the phrase "even if doing so entailed resorting to _______ or other such Machiavellian schemes." This establishes a Support/Example relationship.
- Controlling Idea: The goal is to "ascend the corporate ladder" (ambitious, selfserving goal).
- Logical Constraint: The means to achieve this are "Machiavellian schemes" (cunning, deceitful, and manipulative strategies).

2. Determine the required meaning: The blank must be a noun that is a specific type of deceitful, manipulative, or tricky action that fits under the umbrella of Machiavellian schemes.

Evaluating the Options
The two correct answers must be synonyms that mean trickery or deception.
- A. mimicry: The action or art of imitating. (Irrelevant to trickery/deception for advancement).
- B. artifice: Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others. (Strong Fit - Synonymous with scheme/trickery).
- C. espionage: The practice of spying. (Too specific, usually involving government secrets).
- D. calumny: The making of false and defamatory statements. (Focuses on slander, a specific type of attack, not general deception).
- E. subterfuge: Deceit used in order to achieve one's goal. (Strong Fit - Synonymous with trickery/deception).
- F. flattery: Excessive and insincere praise. (While manipulative, it's a specific action, not a general scheme or trick like the others).

The words artifice and subterfuge both mean the use of trickery or deception to achieve a goal, making them the most suitable and synonymous choices to describe Machiavellian schemes.

The correct answers are B. artifice and E. subterfuge.