Based on the context of the sentence, the executive is facing financial ruin ("penury") because of a scandal. The second part of the sentence, "even the firm who had coveted him the most
$\qquad$ its offer," shows the negative impact of the scandal. The firm that wanted him most is now pulling back its offer. The blank needs a word that means to cancel, withdraw, or take back an offer.
- A. transferred: This means to move something to a different place or person. It doesn't fit the context of canceling an offer.
- B. undermined: This means to damage or weaken, especially gradually or insidiously. While the scandal undermined his position, the firm's action was to take back the offer.
- C. rescinded: This means to revoke, cancel, or repeal (a law, order, or agreement). This is a perfect fit for the context of an offer being withdrawn.
- D. curtailed: This means to reduce in extent or quantity; to impose a restriction on. The firm might have curtailed the offer (made it smaller), but the context of the scandal suggests a complete withdrawal is more likely. "Rescinded" is a stronger and more direct fit for "withdrawing an offer."
- E. lambasted: This means to criticize harshly. The firm might have criticized him, but this isn't what they did to their offer.
- F. retracted: This means to draw or be drawn back or back in; to withdraw (a statement or accusation) as untrue or unjustified. This is a very strong synonym for "rescinded" and also perfectly fits the idea of taking back an offer.

The correct answers are C. rescinded and F. retracted. Both words convey the meaning that the firm withdrew its offer due to the scandal.