I think she did. I always have suspected Cornell to be somewhat relevant to this scheme cuz it was so sus that when Jean have "found out" about Maximin's identity, Cornell suddenly has found little pearl. Everything went according to plan except Maximin probably did not expect Jean to fall for him and his real identity. That's maybe why he said he had made a mistake in judgement. Also it was kind of weird how Arie delivered her words, as if she had read the letter herself but only for the sake of memorizing it. Like a student trying to recite an article she memorized in front of a teacher. Also, she had made a comment about reading the letters rarely in fear of ruining the paper but the letter looked worn out.
Omg the last sentence finished me thx a lot
so whats with the ariel being the savior? did Maximin give the letters to her so they can trick Jean? and ariel played the part till the last scene too, so sure of herself. it was never explained.