(FORTUNE Magazine) – Just about everyone involved in the battle between Verizon and Qwest over MCI is fed up. Powerful MCI shareholders like Legg Mason CEO Bill Miller and Omega hedge fund chief Leon Cooperman are furious that Verizon bought out Mexican investor Carlos Slim Helu for more than they were offered, Qwest is mad that MCI won't entertain its third offer, and most observers are frustrated that this telecom soap opera has dragged on for more than two months. But no matter who eventually wrests control of MCI (Verizon has the edge), there's certain to be one big winner: MCI CEO Michael Capellas. Already this year he has received a $13.5 million bonus in cash and stock for taking the company out of bankruptcy in 2004. And according to his employment contract, if any deal goes through, he's entitled to a cash golden handshake of three times his salary ($1.5 million) plus three times his bonus (last year it was $5 million). That's on top of the more than one million shares of MCI he already owns. (Pretty good for two years of work.) He's used to hefty paydays. In 2002 he made $14.4 million after selling his ailing Compaq to Carly Florina's HP. Capellas probably won't have any trouble finding another corner office; he has a versatile tech background and is said to want a job in either Texas or Silicon Valley. But future shareholders, be warned: This guy doesn't come cheap. -- Barney Gimbel