8089. He would have been his close associate had he not been disloyal.

✅ The correct answer is option C.
Employee : a person employed for wages or salary, especially at non-executive level.

Competitor : a person who takes part in a sporting contest.

Colleague : a person with whom one works in a profession or business.

Executive : relating to or having the power to put plans or actions into effect.

Associate : a partner or companion in business or at work.

Synonym of Associate is Colleague