Choose the most appropriate option to complete the given sentence:-

After years of hard work, my sister's efforts finally ____ when she got a promotion.

paid off

The correct answer is Option (2) → paid off

The phrasal verb paid off means that the hard work or investment eventually yielded a successful result or reward.

• Paid off: (Phrasal verb) Yielded positive results; was worthwhile.

• Paid up: (Phrasal verb) Paid a debt or owed money in full. (Doesn't fit the context of effort/reward).